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Philology and Literature 



VOLUME X 



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1^06 



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THE TRAGEDIE OF CHABOT 
ADMIRALL OF FRANCE 



WUITTKN BY 



GEORGE CHAPMAN AND JAMES SHIRLEY 

Reprinted from the Quarto ot 1639 
Edited with an Introduction anci Notes 



EZRA LEHMAN 

Sometime Harrison Fellow in English 
University of Pennsylvania 



Published for the University 

PHILADEI.l'lIIA 

1906 

■| MK Jdhn C. Wi.Nsru.N Co., Pul)lication Agents, l'liilaiiel|>liiH, Pa. 




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SERIES IN 

Philology and Literature 



VOLUME X 



THE TRAGEDIE OF CHABOT 
ADMIRALL OF FRANCE 

WRITTEN BY 

GEORGE CHAPMAN AND JAMES SHIRLEY 

Reprinted from the Quarto of 1639 
Edited with an Introduction and Notes 

BY 

EZRA LEHMAN 

Sometime Harrison Fellow in English 
University of Pennsylvania 

Published for the University 

PHILADELPHIA 

1906 

The John C. Winston Co., Publicatiou Agents, Philadelphia, Pa. 



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The Unl^Brslty 



PREFACE. 

The neglect of our older dramatic writers is a common- 
place of modern literary comment. Until recently the student 
who sought to know the contemporaries of Shakespeare, was 
forced to make their acquaintance through texts marred by 
the excisions, interpolations and modernizations of editors who, 
by the very act of editing, assumed a literary censorship and 
tyranny over the unhappy subjects of their labors. Modern 
scholarship is no longer content with such work. Of late 
Manly, Bond, Boaz, Breymann and Wagner have done much 
to remedy this conditon and have given us an accurate trans- 
cript of the writings of a number of the EHzabethans. Chief 
among the dramatists who have suffered from neglect is 
Chapman, for no satisfactory edition of his dramatic works 
has yet appeared. Through the labors of Gifford, Dyce, 
and others, the works of many of the older dramatists 
were collected and published during the earlier half of the 
last century, but it was not until 1873 that a similar service 
was attempted for Chapman. In this year a three volume 
edition, a reprint of the plays, edited by John Pearson, ap- 
peared ; but, though commendable as an effort to reproduce 
the text of the quartos, it was incomplete and abounded in 
errors. A second collection of the plays, edited by R. H. 
Shepherd, appeared a year later, and included all the extant 
plays, either wholly or partly, by Chapman, and, in addition, 
several of unknown or doubtful authorship. In this edition 

(3) 



4 Preface 

the text is modernized. Mention must also be made of the 
publication of five of Chapman's plays with a general intro- 
duction and editorial notes by Profesor Phelps, in the Mer- 
maid Series, 1895. The lack of a satisfactory edition of all 
the dramas is partly compensated by the recently published 
excellent editions of separate plays, such as Eastward Hoe, by 
Professor Schelling, and Biissy D'Amhois and The Revenge of 
Bussy D'Amhois, by Professor Boas. 

The following pages embody an attempt to reproduce the 
text of The Tragedie of Philip Chdbot, Admirall of France, 
from the quarto of 1639. This drama was not republished 
until 1833, when Dyce included it in his edition of Shirley's 
works. It was also published by Shepherd in The Works of 
Chapman, 1874. In the present instance no liberty has been 
taken with the text of the quarto ; the original spelling and 
punctuation are given, even' in the case of manifest typo- 
graphical errors. All emendations are relegated to the foot- 
notes. The editing of this quarto, in partial fulfillment of the 
requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, was un- 
dertaken at the suggestion of Prof. F. E. Schelling, to whom 
grateful acknowledgment is made for suggestions offered and 
assistance rendered. The quarto, a reprint of which is here 
presented, forms one of a considerable collection of old plays 
recently acquired by the University of Pennsylvania. As no 
other old edition of Chabot exists, the only collation necessary 
has been that which exhibits the suggestions and emendations 
of the modern editors, Dyce and Shepherd. 



THE TRAGEDIES OF CHAPMAN DERIVED FROM 

FRENCH HISTORICAL MATERIAL. 



There are a fe'vr writers who by reason of the length 
of their careers can scarcely be classified with any 
literary age. Among these was George Chapman whose 
seventy-five years, beginning almost with the accession 
of Elizabeth, stretched well into the reign of Charles I. 
No other period of equal length in the history of Eng- 
land witnessed so marvelous a pohtical development 
or so splendid a literary outpouring. During these 
years England, under the direction of her great states- 
men, became one of the foremost powers of Europe, 
while her Howards, Drakes and Raleighs made her 
mistress of the seas. Poets were not wanting to sing 
the glories of the reign of the Virgin Queen, but it was 
not until long after the days of the Armada that Chapman 
joined this great choir of singers. Though its fruitage 
was abundant, his genius flowered late. While other 
and yoimger writers experimented with Italian forms 
and strove to transfer Sicilian shepherds and their 
flocks to the meadows of England, Chapman remained 
silent, and it was not until sonneteering became the 
fashion of the hour that he joined the ranks of EUza- 
bethan poets. Even then he sang not with them, but 
raised his voice in protest against their methods. Phi- 
losophy was to be his mistress, and to her ser\'ice he 
dedicated himself and ceased not to sound her praises 
in both lyric and dramatic verse. Though he continued 
to write lyrics to the end of his career, it was with the 
drama that Chapman was principal^ concerned. For 
nearly forty years, except when engaged in Homeric 

(5) 



6 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

translation, he wrote for the stage. He saw the rise of the 
national drama with Lyly, Peele and Greene, its devel- 
opment in Marlowe, and its perfection in Shakespeare, 
He lived long enough to see also the beginning of its 
decline as the great body of Elizabethan writers passed 
one by one from the stage of action. 

Chapman must have been on terms of intimacy with 
many of the great dramatists of his day. The first of 
these with whom he came into contact was Marlowe. 
In one of Chapman's earliest comedies, The Blind Beggar 
of Alexandria, Marlowe's famous line, "Whoever loved 
that loved not at first sight" is misquoted. In 1597 
that poet's fragment Hero and Leander appeared with 
four sestyads added by Chapman, who, addressing his 
own poetic genius, adjures it to 

"find th' eternal clime 

Of his free soul, whose living subject stood 

Up to the chin in the Pierian flood, 

And drunk to me half this Musaean story, 

Inscribing it to deathless memory: 

Confer with it, and make my pledge as deep 

That neither's draught be consecrate to sleep; 

Tell it how much his late desires I tender 

(If yet it know not) , and to light surrender 

My soul's dark offspring, willing it should die, 

To loves, to passions and society."^ 

The "soul's dark offspring" undoubtedly refers to 
Chapman's Shadow of A^^'g/z/ which appeared in 1-594, and 
the above passage indicates that Marlowe urged him to 
publish the poem. It cannot be proved that it was 
Marlowe's influence that led Chapman to turn to French 
history for dramatic themes, but it can hardly be 
questioned that The Massacre at Paris acted as a new 
play Jan. 30, 1593,^ exerted much influence upon him. 

'''Hero and Leander, Sestyad III. 
' Henslowe's Diary, p. 30. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 7 

In his Biissy D'Ambois the characters are drawn after 
the manner of Marlowe. The hero of this play is 
modeled after Tamburlaine* and several scenes in it 
recall similar ones in the plays of the earlier writer. 

It is easy to overestimate the influence of Shakespeare 
on the minor dramatists of his time, but his influence 
on Chapman is unmistakable. The Revenge of Bussy 
D'Ambois, 16 13, belongs to the tragedies of revenge. 
Clermont D'Ambois moralizes as Hamlet does. The 
friendship between Guise and Clermont is similar to 
that existing between Hamlet and Horatio. KoeppeP 
calls attention to the resemblance of a scene in Byron's 
Tragedy, 1608, to one in Troilus and Cressida. We 
find similar action, similar sentiment, similar language 
in the two plays. A speech of Ulysses^ contains thought 
similar to that expressed by Biron in the first Act. 
In Act III: 3, of Troilus and Cressida, the Greek 
princes, pass by Achilles without greeting him; in like 
manner the courtiers of Henry IV pass by Biron, Tragedy 
IV: I. Achilles mentions the behavior of the princes 
to Ulysses, saying, "neither gave to me good word 
nor look." Ulysses replies: 

"Time hath a wallet at his back 
Wherein he puts alms for oblivion." 

Biron remarks: 

"How all the Court now looks askew on me! 
Go by without saluting, shun my sight." 

D'Auvergne answers: 

"We must 

Follow their faces 

or be cast behind. 

No more viewed than the wallet of their faults." 

* Quelle n — Studien zu den Dramen George Chapman's, etc., p. 37. 
' Troilus and Cressida, i. 3. 83 ff. 



8 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

These resemblances are too marked to be accidental. 
Even though the date of Shakespeare's play is in dis- 
pute, it was certainly on the stage long before 1608. 

It was in 1605 that Eastward Hoe appeared as the 
joint work of Chapman, Jonson and Marston. The 
subsequent imprisonment of the authors because of 
certain reflections upon the Scots is a well-known 
episode in the history of the drama. It is not likely 
that ]\Iarston and Chapman were associated in any 
other work. It is true that both had contributed to 
Robert Chester's Love's Martyr, 1601, but so had other 
poets. There is no reason to infer any social or literary 
intimacy from this fact. There must, however, have 
been a cordial friendship between Chapman and Jonson. 
In a letter wnritten from prison, 1605, Jonson speaks 
in the highest terms of Chapman. The latter wrote 
verses, In Sejanum Ben. Jonsoni et Musis et Sihi in Deli- 
ciis, and two years later he contributed verses "To his 
dear Friend Benjamin Jonson His Volpone." Jonson told 
Drummond that he "loved Chapman." If the frag- 
ment. An Invective written by Mr. George Chapman 
against Mr Ben Jonson, found in a commonplace book 
preserved among the Ashmole ]\ISS. was \\Titten by 
Chapman, it must have been the result of a temporary 
estrangement. It is aside from our purpose to discuss 
this curious poem, but there is nothing in it to 
justify the opinion that the poets had become perma- 
nently estranged. There was much in common between 
tli« two. Both were classical scholars, though Jonson 
was unquestionably the more widely read ; both affected 
the same scorn for the "vulgar and profane multitude," 
and appealed from the reader "in ordinary" to the 
reader "in extraordinary"; both had definite ideas as 
to the moral lessons that their work should convey. 
Chapman's translations, poems and dramatic works 
called forth many poems of commendation, but these too 
are aside from our purpose. We shall speak at length 
elsewhere of his relations with Shirley. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 9 

Of the six historical dramas of Chapman it is remark- 
able that five were taken from French history, and 
still more remarkable that two of these dealt with 
events that were all but contemporaneous or at least 
within the memory of his audience. About fifteen 
years before Chapman's first tragedy was published, 
Marlowe's Massacre at Parts had appeared. The older 
dramatist had catered to the prejudices of his audience 
and presented the Duke of Guise as a monster of wick- 
edness. Indeed the purpose of the play was not so 
much to deal with the Massacre of St. Bartholomew's 
as to set forth the many plots in which Guise was con- 
cerned and the many murders of which he was supposed 
to be guilty. In addition Marlowe presented him as a 
blunderer, lacking in shrewdness, who was braved and 
insulted in a manner that must have made the grotind- 
lings howl with delight. The next plays treating of 
French History were the three by Dekker and Drayton. 
According to Henslowe these two authors had finished, 
or were engaged upon, a play entitled The Civil Wars in 
France, evidently in three parts as indicated by the 
dates: Sept. 29, 1598; Nov. 3, 1598; Dec. 30, 1598.^ It 
is probable that these plays were intended to set forth 
the wars of Henry IV's reign. From what we know 
of Dekker's religious beliefs it is safe to infer that the 
dramas dealt with the confusion and overthrow of the 
chieftains of the League, events that were practically 
contemporary since the civil wars did not end until 
1596. 

Chapman was the next author to use French History. 
In 1607 appeared Bussy D'Ambois, A Tragedie: As it 
hath been often presented at Paules. London. Printed 
for William Aspley. This play deals with the adven- 
tures of Bussy D'Ambois, a braggart and impoverished 
captain who is taken up by "Monsieur," brother to the 

I Henslowe' s Diary, pp. 134, 137, 141. 



lo The Tragedies of Chapman. 

French King, set on his feet and introduced at court. 
Bussy's blood is good and his audacity unbounded. He 
dares the Guise and affronts the best gentlemen of 
France, and backing his insolence with an all victorious 
sword, becomes a menace to his "maker" who resolves 
upon Bussy's destruction. Monsieur's hatred of Bussy 
receives an additional spur from the discovery that 
Bussy is enamored of the wife of Count Montsurry, 
whose favor Monsieur has sought in vain. The Duke 
of Guise leagues himself with Monsieur. They discover 
that Bussy and the Countess Montsurry have arranged 
a meeting. Count Montsurry is informed, and Bussy is 
lured into an ambuscade where he is slain after defend- 
ing himself with the greatest bravery. Like the major- 
ity of Chapman's plays, Bussy abounds in episodes 
which, though interesting in themselves, retard the 
action of the drama. The author does not hesitate to 
take liberties with history. Henry HI, one of the most 
despicable kings of France, is presented in a rather 
favorable light, and great consideration is shown for 
the hero of the drama, who, historically considered, was 
a typical soldier of fortune, always following the faction 
or leader likely to afford the greatest opportunity for 
plunder. The language of his eulogist Brantome 
proves that he was a libertine and a Prince of Braggarts 
in an age when modesty was not regarded as a cardinal 
virtue. The source of the play has not yet been dis- 
covered: for KoeppeP has shown that the commonly 
received opinion that De Thou was Chapman's source, 
cannot be correct since De Thou's Historiae Sui Tem- 
poris, Pars Quarta, which narrates the history of Bussy, 
was not published until 1609. 

The influence of Marlowe mentioned above points to 
an earlier date for the composition of Bussy D'Ambois 
than has usually been accepted. What is more likely 
than that Chapman, the friend of Marlowe, finding 

^ Quellcn — Studicn, zn den Dramen George Chapman's, etc., p. 14. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. II 

that the theme of the Massacre at Paris was 
popular, determined to write a play of the same charac- 
ter? If this view have any weight Bussy must have 
been written in 1595 or 1596. In support of this view 
these reasons may be assigned: First, among the theat- 
rical "properties" belonging to Henslowe in March, 
1598, is a "Perowes sewt."^ There is no other extant 
play of this date in which Pero is a character. Second- 
ly, Meres^ in 1598, mentioned Chapman as renowned 
in' tragedy. Bussy D'Ambois is the only known tragedy 
of Chapman's that could have been written thus early. 
Thirdly, if the line in Satiro-Mastix, " For trusty Dam- 
boys now the deed is done," refers to a play, it must have 
been to one written prior to 1601. Bussy D'Ambois, by 
far the most popular of Chapman's works, would natur- 
ally be referred to by his contemporaries. 

The next work of Chapman's bore the title, The 
Conspiracie and Tragedie of Charles, Duke of Byron, 
Marshall of France, Acted lately in two playes at the Black 
Friars, Written by George Chapman. Printed by G. Eld 
- - - 1608. These plays are in reality but one 
continuous tragedy in ten acts, and deal with events 
that must have aroused deep interest in England. The 
Duke of Biron, one of the most powerful of French 
nobles, was well known to the English people, for he had 
been sent as an ambassador to the Queen only seven 
years before the publication of the dramas dealing with 
his death. Henry IV was upon the throne of France, 
and many of the other characters of the drama were 
still living in 1608. The Conspiracy treats of the 
treasonable plot into which Biron entered with the 
Duke of Savoy and a disgraced noble named La Fin. 
These designs were discovered, and the King sent Biron 
to England in the hope that he might learn wisdom 

^ Henslowe' s Diary, p. 275. 

'Paladis Tamia, Haslewood, Arte oj English Poesie. II, 153. 



12 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

there and abandon his plans against his sovereign. 
Queen EHzabeth, doubtless prompted by her royal 
brother of France, gave the would-be traitor advice, but 
he failed to take it to heart, and upon his return to 
France demanded the government of Bourg, a demand 
which marked the first steps of his plot. Upon being 
refused he behaved with great insolence toward his 
sovereign, who then revealed his knowledge of the 
treason in which the Marshal had been concerned. 
Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, Biron sought the 
King's pardon, which was speedily granted him. Before 
long, however, as shown in The Tragedy, Biron was 
again plotting against the King. He was induced to 
come to court, where he was charged with his crimes 
but promised pardon if he would confess his guilt. Upon 
his refusal to admit the truth of the charges against him, 
he was confronted with the proof, thrown into prison 
and condemned to death. When too late, he sought to 
avail himself of the King's offer of pardon, but Henry 
was inexorable, and Biron was executed. Chap- 
man has followed actual history with greater fidelity 
here than in any other of his historical dramas. Prob- 
ably he was too faithful in his presentation of certain 
events. Koeppel has shown that the dramatist con- 
sulted three authorities — Matthieu, Cayet, and Jean de 
Serres. These sources are followed closely when dealing 
with episodes or descriptions. In many cases the 
language of the dialogue is an almost exact translation 
of the language of the historian, but in other places 
the merest hint or suggestion is expanded into a lengthy 
speech. 

Mr. Fleay long ago pointed out the mangled condition 
of Act IV of The Conspiracy. ^ There is every indication 
that in the play as originally written Queen Elizabeth 
was actually introduced as a character represented on 

^Chronicle of the English Drama, I, 63. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 13 

the stage. The curious mixture of pronouns in the 
speech of Crequie indicates a hasty revision of this 
portion. As originally written, this part of the drama 
must have consisted of an interview between Queen 
Elizabeth and Biron. Crequie in giving an account 
of this interview says: 

"He said 'he was no orator, but a soldier, 
More than this air in which you breathe hath made me, ' " etc. 

The sudden change from the third person to the first 
indicates that the speech was originally spoken by 
Biron, but when the censor objected to this scene, it was 
changed into narrative form. A little farther on in the 
same scene a " councillor of great and eminent name" 
speaks, but his speech is a repetition of what had 
already been given. It is evident that this councillor's 
speech is a "stop gap" in place of a part stricken out 
by the censor. At the conclusion of the first Act of 
Byron's Tragedy a masque is introduced. The reference 
of Cupid to "a jar that was reconciled" and the con- 
cluding speech of Henry IV: 

"This show hath pleased me well, for that it figures 
The reconcilement of my Queen and mistress," 

are pointless as the scene now stands. A dispatch 
of April 5, 1608, from the French Ambassador Beau- 
mont, quoted by Von Raumer, explains matters. He 
sets forth that he had interfered to prevent the acting 
of the play, but when the "Court had left town they 
persisted in acting it ; nay, they brought upon the stage 
the Queen of France and Mademoiselle Verneuil. The 
former having first accosted the latter with very hard 
words gave her a box on the ear. At my suit three of 
them were arrested ; but the principal person, the author, 
escaped." From this dispatch it appears that both the 
French Queen and Mademoiselle Verneuil, the Mistress 
of the King, appeared in the masque, and that the quarrel 



14 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

mentioned by the Ambassador originally formed a part 
of the masque. The speech of the King quoted above, 
thus becomes intelligible. It should also be noted that 
toward the end of Act IV of The Conspiracy, where 
Chapman is following Matthieu's narrative, the drama 
bears evidence of having been mangled. The French 
historian asserts that Queen Elizabeth concluded the 
interview with Biron by showing him the heads of a 
number of distinguished princes who had been beheaded 
for treason, among them that of Essex. The Queen's 
concluding words to Biron were, " God knows that the 
King, my brother, shows too much clemency. By my 
faith, if I were in his place, Paris, as well as London, 
should see heads cut off." Koeppel's conjecture that 
this scene was originally incorporated in the play, is 
highly probable. Naturally the Master of the Revels 
struck it out. 

Mr. Dobell has recently published a number of letters 
from Chapman, Jonson and others. Two of the Chap- 
man letters may properly be quoted because of their 
bearing upon the Biron plays. The first is a " Letter 
of Chapman to Mr. Crane, probably intended for the 
Duke of Lennox, who sheltered and protected the poet 
when threatened with arrest at the instance of the 
French Ambassador Beaumont, because of certain 
scenes in the Biron plays, 1608." It runs as follows: 

" Sr — Not wearie of my Shelter, but uncertaine why the 
forme of the cloude still hovers over me, when the matter is 
disperst, I write to intreate your resolution; And all this 
tyme have not in his sort visted you, for feare I should seeme 
to give spurrs to your free disposition ; But now (least imagin- 
inge me hotter of my libertie than I am, you should thinke me 
unhowsd, and not to have presented me with my first thank- 
full Apparance) I thought good to send out this dove ; And 
thoughe I am put, by the Austeritie of the offended tyme to 
this little pacience, yet can I not be so thanklesslye jelouse 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 15 

of the knowing judgment from whence your actions proceede 
to retaine any thought of youre favours Repentaunce ; or neg- 
lect of their extension in the safe retreat : when your danger- 
ous charge for me was so resolute and worthie. I am the 
same I was when you thought me worthie of youre vertuous 
kindnes ; and will ever remaine (whatsoever I may be) 

Wholy yours in all affectionate 

Requitall. 
For his right worthie and exceedinge good frend Mr. Crane: 

Secretorie to my Lord Duke of Lennox." ^ 

The second is a letter of George Chapman to the 
Linceser of the Press in reference to the Biron plays: 

"5r — I have not deserv'd what I suffer by your austeritie; 
if the two or three lynes you crost were spoken ; my uttermost 
to suppresse them was enough for my discharge: To more 
then which no promysse can be rackt by reason; I see not 
myne owne Plaies ; nor carrie the Actors Tongues in my 
mouthe; The action of the mynde is performance sufficient 
of my dewtie, before the greatest authoritie, wherein I have 
quitted all 3'our former favors, And made them more worthie 
than any you bestowe on outward observers; if the thrice 
allowance of the Counsaile for the Presentment gave not 
weight enoughe to drawe yours after for the presse, my Breath 
is a hopeles adition ; if you say (for your Reason) you know 
not if more then was spoken be now written no , no ; nor can you 
know that, if you had both the Copies, not seeing the first at 
all : Or if you had scene it presented your Memorie could hardly 
confer with it so strictly in the Revisall to discerne the Adi- 
tion ; My short reason therefore can not sounde your severitie: 
Whosoever it were that first plaied the bitter Informer before 
the frenche Ambassador for a matter so far from offence ; And 
of so much honor for his maister as those two partes containe, 
perform'd it with the Gall of a Wulff, and not of a man: And 
theise hautie and secrett vengeances taken for Crost, & 

AthencBUtn April 6, 1901. 



1 6 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

officious humors are more Politique than Christian; which 
he that hates will one day discover in the open ruyne of their 
Auctors; And though they be trifles he yet laies them in 
Ballance (as they concern Justice, and bewray Appetites to 
the Tyrannye) with the greatest; But how safely soever 
Illiterate Aucthoritie settes up his Bristles against Poverty, 
methinkes yours (being accompanied with learning) should 
rebate the pointes of them, and soften the fiercenes of those 
rude manners ; you know Sr, They are sparkes of the lowest 
fier in Nature that flie out uppon weaknes with every puffe 
of Power; I desier not you should drenche your hand in the 
least daunger for mee: And therefore (with entreatie of my 
Papers returne) I cease ever to trouble you. 

By the poore subject of your office 

for the present."* 

From the first of these letters it appears that when 
the French Ambassador sought to have Chapman ar- 
rested for bringing the Queen of France and the King's 
mistress upon the stage, the author fled to the Duke of 
Lennox who gave him shelter and protection. The 
matter had been adjusted, but Chapman was still re- 
garded with disfavor by the Licenser of Plays. He had 
evidently left the shelter of his protector without thank- 
ing him in person for his kindness. The letter explains 
why he did not seek a personal interview with the Duke. 
He was determined to discover why the cloud still 
hovered over him. The second letter explains the nature 
of this " cloud." Sir Henry Herbert, the official licenser, 
would not give the necessary permission for the per- 
formance of the plays. Herbert had evidently crossed 
out certain lines, but the actors had spoken the forbidden 
parts. Though Chapman had protested that he could 
not be held responsible for the action of the players, 
Herbert still withheld his consent to the presentation 
of the drama. Chapman complains bitterly against the 

^ Athencsum. April 6, 1901. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. ' 17 

person who informed the French Ambassador of the 
masque wherein the Queen appeared. He protests that 
no offense was meant, and- concludes with a reference 
to the helplessness of one so poor as he, against ignorant 
authority. It is highly probable that his poverty was 
very real even at this time, yet no one can fail to admire 
the dignified expression with which this letter closes. 

The Revenge of Bussy d'Ambois A Tragedie. As it hath 
beene often presented at the Private Play house in the 
White-Fryers . Written by George Chapman, Gentleman 
- - - are to be sold by John Helme - - - , appeared in 
quarto in 161 3. The hero of this play Clermont D'Am- 
bois, a man of different type from his brother Bussy, is 
meditative and thoughtful, but not lacking in prowess. 
Charlotte, the sister of Bussy, is represented as a woman 
of great spirit, who would consent to marry her lover 
Baligny, only after he had sworn to avenge the murder 
of her brother. Baligny failed to make good his vow, 
secretly incited the king against Clermont, and 
persuaded him to order the latter 's arrest. This was 
accomplished by a novel device. The king sent Cler- 
mont to Cambrai ostensibly to review the troops under 
his command, but the monarch had sent secret orders 
to have him seized. Clermont received warning of the 
plot against him, but he refused to credit the informa- 
tion. He did, however, demand of Maillard, the Gover- 
nor's Lieutenant, that he allow himself to be searched 
so that Clermont might discover whether there was any 
truth in the rumor that Maillard had orders to arrest him . 
Maillard assured Clermont that no such orders had been 
received. The latter accepted this statement as true 
and set out to review the troops, but was seized by two 
soldiers disguised as lackeys and brought a prisoner to 
Maillard. The Duke of Guise, the patron of Clermont, 
soon effected his friend's release. This part of the drama 
is drawn out to tedious length, but the last act moves 
swiftly enough. The ghost of Bussy appears and urges 



1 8 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

Clermont to undertake the revenge which BaHngy has 
neglected. He obeys the mandate, engages Montsurry 
in single combat, and slays him. Charlotte is present 
in disguise to take the place of her brother, if he should 
fall in the fight. Meanwhile Guise had been treacherous- 
ly murdered by the King's order. A curiously ineffec- 
tive scene, in which the ghost of Bussy and three other 
spirits appear and whirl in dance about the murdered 
corpse of Montsurry, concludes the drama. Clermont, 
his patron gone, commits suicide. 

Koeppel shows that the episode of Clermont's arrest 
was taken from Pierre Matthieu's Histoire de France et 
Des choses memorahles aduenues aux prouinces etrangeres 
durant sept annees de paix du Regne de Henry IIII Roy 
de France et de Nauarre. Dinise en sept livres. A Paris, 
This work must have been published not later than 1605. 
Biron's intimate friend, the Comted'Auvergne had been 
arrested and imprisoned with him, but was afterwards 
released. Two years later, in 1604, the king ordered 
his re-arrest. This was accomplished in the manner 
set forth by Chapman in his account of the arrest of 
Clermont. Koeppel shows further that the dramatist 
followed the narrative of the historian with remarkable 
fidelity. In many cases the text of Chapman is a 
literal translation of Matthieu. The Duke of Guise was 
murdered December 23, 1588, by the emissaries of Henry 
III. Jean de Serres' Inventaire General de V Histoire de 
France, published 1597, was the source used by Chap- 
man for the parts of the drama dealing with the assas- 
sination of the Duke. Here, as in the previous case, the 
dramatist gives a literal rendering of his source. He 
had previously used both these authors' works in the 
Biron dramas. 

One of the most surprising features of this drama is 
the manner in which the Duke of Guise is presented. 
This character in the first of the Bussy plays is a repro- 
duction of Marlowe's creation. The theater-goer would 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 19 

have no difficulty in recognizing the "monster of St. 
Bartholomew's Night," "the blood hound of France," 
in the creations of both dr-amatists. Both make him 
the butt of ridicule. Bussy braves him to his face. 
When the Duke threatens to cut his throat if he does 
not cease his gallantries to the Duchess, Bussy exclaims, 
"That hand dares not do't — y'ave cut too many throats 
already. Guise ; and robbed the realm of many thousand 
souls, more precious than thine own." In the quarrel, 
Act III,* Bussy gives the "lie direct" to the Duke 
and applies a series of vigorously insulting epithets 
to him. A little later the Duke is represented as a 
libertine. In Act V he and Monsieur are actively con- 
cerned in the murder of Bussy. Very different is the 
Duke in The Revenge. He is the patron of the philo- 
sophically inclined Clermont. Almost at the opening 
of the drama he is hailed — 

"Well, thou most worthy to be greatest Guise, 
Make with thy greatness a new world arise." 

A little later Guise and Clermont are represented as 
whispering together 

"of something 

Savouring of that which all men else despise, 
How to be truly noble, truly wise." 

When Monsieur suggests that Guise practises hypocrisy, 
he is reminded that it is " much more common to suspect 
truth than falsehood," that truth is not believed. On 
every possible occasion the good qualities of Guise are 
emphasized, until, in Act II, we find the extenuation, or 
rather the justification, of the Massacre of Bartholomew, 

Ba. I fain would know 
How many millions of our other nobles 
Would make one Guise. There is a true tenth worthy. 

^ The Works of George Chapman: Plays, ed. Shepherd, p. 156. 



20 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

Who (did not one act only blemish him) — 
CI. One act? what one? 
Ba. One, that, though years past done, 
Sticks by him still and will distain him ever. 

CI. Good Heaven! wherein? what one act can you name 
Supposed his stain, that I'll not prove his lustre? 
Ba. To satisfy you, 'twas the massacre. 
CI. The massacre? I thought 'twas some such blemish. 
Ba. Oh, it was heinous! 
CI. To a brutish sense. 
But not a manly reason. We so tender 
The vile part in us, that the part divine 
We see in hell, and shrink not. Who was first 
Head of that massacre? 
Ba. The Guise. 
CI. 'Tis nothing so. 
Who was in fault for all the slaughters made 
In Ilion, and about it? were the Greeks? 
Was it not Paris ravishing the Queen 
Of Lacaedemon? Breach of shame and faith? 
And all the laws of hospitality? 
This is the beastly slaughter made of men. 
When truth is overthrown, his laws corrupted; 
When souls are smother'd in the flatter 'd flesh, 
Slain bodies are no more than oxen slain. 
Ba. Differ not men from oxen? 
CI. Who says so? 
But see wherein; in the understanding rules 
Of their opinions, lives, and actions; 
In their communities of faith and reason. 
Was not the wolf that nourish'd Romulus 
More humane than the men that did expose him? 

Ba. That makes against you. 
CI. Not, sir, if you note 

That by that deed, the actions difference make 
'Twixt men and beasts, and not their names nor forms. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 21 

Had faith, nor shame, all hospitable rights 

Been broke by Troy, Greece had not made that slaughter. 

Had that been saved (says a philosopher) 

The Iliads and Odysseys had been lost ; 

Had Faith and true Religion been preferr'd, 

Religious Guise had never massacred. 

In the remaining part of the drama no opportunity to 
sound the praise of the Duke is let pass, and when at 
last he is treacherously slain, Clermont kills himself, 
being unwilling to live after the loss of so noble a patron. 
One can imagine how astonished the Protestant 
Englishmen must have been to see the Duke of Guise 
thus presented to their view. It would be interesting 
to know how the innovation was received. Of still 
greater interest is the reason for Chapman's changed 
attitude toward the Duke. It was certainly not due to 
dramatic exigencies, and the author must have known 
that the change would not be popular with an English 
audience. The reason is probably to be found in the 
deep moral earnestness that characterizes all Chapman's 
later work. To a mind of philosophic bent, the religious 
passion and hatred of the unreasoning masses must have 
been humiliating and disgusting. His scorn of the 
"profane multitude" was unquestionably sincere. An 
examination of the facts pertaining to the massacres and 
religious wars that so long paralyzed the energies of 
France must have convinced him that the blame lay not 
alone with one party. He believed that the objects of 
tragedy were "material instruction, elegant and senten- 
tious excitement to virtue and deflections from her 
contrary" ; and further, that "not truth but things like 
truth" should be sought. The author's purpose then 
must have been to call attention to the other side of 
the controversy by exaggerating the merits of the 
Catholic standpoint before a Protestant audience. 
There is another instance of a similar departure from 



22 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

accepted beliefs in Byron's Tragedy where Biron is made 
to eulogize Philip II of Spain who was not less unpopular 
in England than was the Duke of Guise. In this case, 
however, a clearly defined dramatic purpose is served 
by the eulogy. Koeppel believes that Chapman had 
become a convert to Roman Catholicism and calls 
attention to the language used in The Gentleman Usher, 
Act V, where Strozza announces his intention to make 
a pilgrimage to Rome to offer at St. Peter's Temple 
the arrow head by which he had been wounded. He 
asks that no one shall deem this act a superstitious rite, 
for 

"No act is superstitious that applies 
All power to God, devoting hearts through eyes." 

To which Benevemus replies, 

"Spoke with the true tongue of a nobleman. 
But now are all these excitations toys. 
And honour fats his brain with other joys." 

There is undoubtedly much to support this opinion of 
Koeppel's, but I cannot regard his proof as complete, 
and the little we know of the subsequent life of the 
dramatist seems to indicate that he remained a member 
of the Church of England. The men to whom Chap- 
man addressed his letters for aid were Protestants, as 
were those to whom he dedicated his poems and dramas. 
He opposed the Spanish marriage and did not fail to 
advocate loyalty to the King in all things. Moreover, 
Chapman's attitude is ever that of the philosopher who 
realizes that good and bad are strangely mingled in the 
affairs of men. 

Prof. Boas has recently shown ^ that the generally 
accepted theory that Chapman went directly to the 
French historians for the material for his historical 
dramas is incorrect. There is a book bearing the 

AthencBUm. Jan. lo, 1903. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 23 

title, A General Inventorie of the Historie of France 
from the beginning of that Monarchie unto the Treatie 
of Vervins in the Ye are 1598." Written by Jhon de Serres. 
And continued unto these Times, out of the best Authors 
which have written of that Subject. Translated out of 
French into English, by Edward Grimeston, Gentleman. 
This work was published in 1607 by George Eld. 
Grimeston added to de Serres 's narrative translations 
from the writings of Pierre Matthieu and Victor Cayet. 
Prof. Boas after a careful examination, asserts that 
Grimeston was the immediate source used by Chap- 
man. It would seem, therefore, that his method was 
that of the majority of the dramatists of his age, to 
seek material in the nearest quarry. The elaborate 
theories concerning Chapman's sojourn in France, based 
on his supposed acquaintance with French history and 
language, cannot be sustained. 

Before considering the historical accuracy of Chap- 
man's dramatic presentations, it will be in order to note 
his theory as to the proper use of history in the drama. 
In dedicating The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois to Sir 
Thomas Howard, he writes: "And for the authentical 
truth of either person or action, who (worth the respect- 
ing) will expect it in a poem, whose subject is not truth, 
but things like truth ? Poor envious souls they are that 
cavil at truth's want in these natural fictions, material 
instruction, elegant and sententious excitation to virtue, 
and deflection from her contrary, being the soul, limbs, 
and limits of an authentical tragedy." In view of this 
statement it is perhaps unjust to criticise Chapman for 
historical inaccuracy, but it is only just to say that his 
dramas abound in anachronisms. I cannot agree with 
those critics who assert that the historical sense was 
highly developed in Chapman. His kings are stock 
characters, only slightly differentiated. He has respect 
for "the divinity that doth hedge a king" no matter 
how despicable the sovereign may be. His courtiers 



24 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

are distinguished by their official rank, not by difference 
in character. His genius is essentially epic, and is at 
its best in scenes in which the hero recounts his deeds 
at great length, but the strength exliibited on such occa- 
sions interferes with dramatic action. This epic ten- 
dency results in the introduction of numerous episodes, 
only slightly connected with the main plot of the drama. 
In spite of these weaknesses Chapman manages to de- 
velop a kind of historical atmosphere which pervades 
everything and gives unity to his work. By means of 
this atmosphere he suggests the corruption and moral 
degradation of the court of Henry IH. The recognition 
of these conditions by the reader is not due to the 
dramatist's ability in portraying character; for in his 
endeavor to convey "material instruction, elegant 
and sententious excitation to virtue," Chapman makes 
his dramatic creations from kings to servants, moralize 
and philosophize upon everything that occurs. 

The last of Chapman's historical plays appeared in 
1639 with the title The Tragedte of Chabot Admirall of 
France : As it was presented by her Majesties Servants at 
the private House in Drury Lane. Written by George 
Chapman and James Shirly. London. Printed by Tho. 
Cotes, for Andrew Crooke, and William Cooke. Chapman 
had died May 12, 1634. The play was licensed April 
29, 1635, as Sir Henry Herbert's office book shows. 
The question at once arises as to the nature of Shirley's 
connection with the play. Fleay says: "Chapman 
wrote I., II., and the prose speeches in III. i, V-. 2 of the 
Proctor and Advocate . . . Shirley altered and rewrote 
the latter part. III., IV., V."^ Dyce- beheves that nearly 
the whole was revised by Chapman, an opinion which 
Ward^ endorses. Swinburne writes "Of the author- 

^ Chronicle of English Drama. II, 241. 

* Shirley's Dramatic Works, ed. Dyce, VI, 87. 

'History of English Dramatic Literature, II., 444. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 25 

ship of Chabot there can be no question; the subject 
the style, the manner, the meter, the characters, all are 
perfectly Chapman's."^ After a careful comparative 
study of Chapman's and Shirley's styles and methods 
I have reached the conclusion that the play was origi- 
nally written by Chapman and subsequently revised by 
Shirley. There is scarcely a page upon which the 
peculiarities of the former's style are not discernible. 
The principal of these peculiarities are: involved sen- 
tences, tortuous thought, and the tendency to philoso- 
phize. On the other hand the evidence of revision is to 
be found in many places. The angular grammatical 
constructions are not so numerous as in other plays of 
Chapman, the thought is somewhat clarified, and there 
is greater degree of dramatic unity than is common in 
Chapman's plays. If the long drawn-out speeches of 
the Proctor-General were omitted, this unity of action 
would be more apparent. There is the same tendency 
to episodic treatment as in Bussy D'Ambois, but the 
episodes are better botmd together and subordinated 
to the main theme. The letters of Chapman, published 
by Mr. Dobell, show that the poet was neglected and poor 
in his old days. It would be a pleasing picture to 
imagine the popular dramatist Shirley responding to the 
request of the needy old translator and helping him to 
bring his last drama before the pubhc. Unfortunately, 
this can hardly have been the case, for Chapman had 
been dead nearly a year before the play was acted. It 
seems probable that Chapman had written Chabot about 
i62iori622. He had been engaged upon translations 
and non-dramatic poetry from 1613 to 1621, but after 
the latter date he would have been free to return to 
dramatic composition. His tragedy, CcFsar and Pompey, 
was published in 1631, but in the dedication he declares 

^ Essay on George Chapman's Poetical and Dramatic Works, p 
xxxii. 



26 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

that it was never presented on the stage and was written 
long since. It undoubtedly belongs to the 'period^: just 
mentioned. In all probability Chabot had) never been 
staged until Shirley revised it. The failure of Chapman's 
tragedies (excepting Bussy D' Amhois) was not strange. 
Aside from their want of true dramatic quality, and their 
involved style, they expressed sentiments antagonistic 
to the London play-goer and were lacking in acting 
qualities. It is impossible to conjecture how^ Shirley, 
came into possession of Chabot. He was then (1635) at 
the height of his popularity as a dramatist ; during the 
five preceding years eighteen plays of his were licensed, 
and all except one of these had been performed by the 
Queen's Men. It is easy to understand that when hard 
pressed he would be willing to revise any play that 
seemed likely to be successful. It is probable that the 
revision was made hastily: the play certainly was not 
entirely rewritten. Baker says it was "acted at Drury 
Lane, ' ' ^ but undoubtedly the only authority for this state- 
ment is the title page of the Quarto. There is no 
other mention of its performance, and a second Quarto 
was not published. The failure of Chabot as a stage 
play was not remarkable. An audience accustomed to 
such plays as The Gamester, The Example, and The Lady 
of Pleasure, would be little drawn to one of so different 
a type. 

Those who believe that Chabot was written jointly 
by Chapman and Shirley cite another play which ap- 
peared in Quarto with the following title: The Ball, A 
Comedy, As it was presented by her Majesties Servants 
at the private house in Drury Lane. Written by George 
Chapman and Jam.es Shirly, London, Printed by The. 
Cotes, for Andrew Crooke and William Cooke. 1639. 
The play was licensed November 16, 1632. Herbert adds 
the following note : "In the play of The Ball written by 

^ Btographica Dramatica, II, 90. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 27 

Sherley, and acted by the Queen's players, ther were 
divers personated so naturally, both of lords and others 
of the court, that I took it ill, and would have forbidden 
the play, but that Biston [Christopher Beeston] promiste 
many things which I found faulte withall should be left 
out, and that he would not suffer it to be done by the 
poett any more, who deserves to be punisht; and the 
first that offends in this kind, of poets or players, shall 
be sure of publique punishment."^ Chapman's name 
was joined by the printer with Shirley "in the bonds," 
as Swinburne says, "of a most incongruous union." 
Gifford believed that Chapman wrote the greater part 
of this comedy, but he gave no reasons for so singular 
an opinion. Dyce says, " Judging from internal evidence, 
I should say, that The Ball was almost entirely the com- 
position of Shirley."^ Baker says "Chapman assisted 
Shirley in this Comedy."' Fleay asserts that Chapman 
inserted passages which "are easily traceable in IV. 3 
and V. I."* Ward believes that if Chapman "gave any 
assistance to Shirley at all in this play, it must have been 
of the slightest description."^ I cannot discover any 
traces of Chapman in the play, but it everywhere bears 
the stamp of Shirley's style. The dialogue is witty and 
sparkling. The play has the easy movement, charac- 
teristic of the younger dramatist's comedy. It lacks 
the philosophic utterance of Chapman, but contains 
the thinly veiled satire of Shirley. It will be noted that 
in the Memorandum of Herbert the play is assigned to 
Shirlf^y alone. It should be remembered also that Chap- 
man had not written comedy for at least twenty years. 
It would have been strange indeed had he been 
employed to collaborate with Shirley in writing a work 

^ M alone' s Shakespeare, (1794), II, 191. ' 

^Shirley's Dramatic Works, ed. Dyce, I, xix. 
' Biographica Dramatica, II, 46. 
*• Chronicle English Drama, 11,238. 
^ History of English Drama, III, 107. 



28 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

representative of the new comedy of manners. Equally 
irreconcilable is the idea that he revised it. I have 
been unable to discover any literary connection between 
Shirley and Chapman beyond that involved in Chahot. 

Chabot is the story of a man so upright and hon- 
orable, that he refused to give his assent to an unjust 
bill even after the King had signed it. Several creatures 
and officials of the court whose schemes had been thus 
balked by Chabot sought to compass his ruin. They 
foimd allies in the Queen who disliked the wife of Chabot, 
and in Montmorencie, the Constable of France, a man 
of good impulses, but too easily influenced by others. 
The King was led to believe that Chabot had shown 
disrespect toward him, and, when the Admiral persisted 
in his determination to oppose the unjust measure 
favored by the King, appointed a Commission to 
investigate Chabot 's acts. The Chancellor Poyet, to 
whom the matter was entrusted, was prejudiced 
against Chabot, and though only the most trivial 
offenses were proved against the Admiral, the Chan- 
cellor by means of threats forced the judges to sign a 
decree declaring him guilty of treason. The object of 
the King was to humiliate the Admiral by having his 
faults brought to light, not to punish him for their com- 
mission. Believing that his purpose was accomplished, the 
King offered to pardon Chabot ; but the latter conscious 
of his own rectitude, refused to accept a pardon which 
implied that he had been guilty of crime. The King 
soon discovered how the conviction of the Admiral had 
been brought about ; he summoned the Chancellor, and 
after denouncing him for his injustice, ordered him to 
trial for his perversion of justice. The Chancellor con- 
fessed his guilt and received a heavy sentence. The 
King now sought to advance Chabot to a position of 
greater trust, but the ordeal had been too much for the 
high-souled Admiral who soon died of a broken heart. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 29 

Few students of the drama can object to Swinburne's* 
enthusiastic estimation of the play. Koeppel, however, 
says, referring to the hero, "Der stolze, selbstbewusset 
Mann schreit im Drama wie ein prahlerischer Grobian, 
der jede dem Fiirsten schuldige Riicksicht vergisst imd 
ihm ein iiber das andere Mai versichert, dass seine 
Verdienste alle Gnadenbeweise mehr als aufwogen."' 
The distinguished German scholar fails to note the 
reason for Chabot's firmness, but the high sense of duty 
and official integrity would not have been lost upon an 
Elizabethan audience capable of appreciating personal 
independence. We have in Chabot not a "prahlerischer 
Grobian," but a man whom even the favor of his King 
could not tempt to do a wrong act. However, it may 
be questioned whether such an attitude was likely to 
find favor at a court whose monarch believed that the 
king could do no wrong. 

The earliest mention of the source of Chabot was 
made by Langbaine, who writes: "For the Plot, see 
the French Chronologers, and Historians in the Reign 
of Francis the First; such as Paulus Jovius Arnoldus 
in his Continuation of Paulus Aemilius, Mart. Longeus 
De Serres, Mezeray, etc."^ KoeppeP shows that none 
of these furnished material for Chapman. Mezeray 
must be rejected on chronological grounds; Paulus 
Jovius and Jean de Serres do not mention the process 
against the admiral, and Arnoldus contains but a short 
notice from which the most striking details of the drama 
are omitted. No historian named Martin Longeus has 
been fotmd. Koeppel, however, has undoubtedly dis- 
covered one of the sources used by Chapman in a work 
entitled Les Recherches de la France d'Estienne Pas- 

* Essay on Chapman' s Poetical and Dramatic Works, ed. Shepherd 

pp. xliv-xlv. 
"^ Quellen-Studien zu den Dramen George Chapman s, etc., p. 55. 
'English Dramatic Poets, p. 477. 

* Quellen—Siudien, zu den Dramen George Chapman's, etc., note p. 52. 



30 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

quier .... Augmentees en ceste dernier e edition de trois 
Liures entiers, outre plusieurs Chapitres entrelassez en 
chacun des autres Liures, tirez de la Bihliotheque de 
VAutheur. A ParisMDCXXI. The ninth chapter of book 
sixteen bears the title: ''Du procez extraordinaire fait, 
premier ement a Messire Philippe Chabot Admiral de 
France, puis a Messire Guillaiime Pouyet Chancelier." 
A comparison of the incidents of the drama with the 
contents of this chapter will show the extent of Chap- 
man's indebtedness to the French historian. Act I of 
Chabot deals with the reconciliation of Chabot, the 
Admiral of France, with the Constable Montmorency. 
The Treasurer, Chancellor and Secretary induce the 
Constable to enter a plot to undermine Chabot 's influ- 
ence with the King. The latter is induced to sign an 
unjust decree, which Chabot not only refuses to 
allow but angrily tears into pieces. Of these facts 
no mention whatever is made in Pasquier, in fact 
the historian suggests that the King's change of attitude 
to Chabot was due to a whim. " Le Roy ne croyoit 
qu'en luy seul, entre ceux qui avoient son oreille. 
Toutesfois comme les opinions des Roys se changent 
sans sgauoir quelques-fois pourquoy, aussi commenga-il 
auecques le temps de se lasser de luy, et en fin il luy 
despleut tout a fait." In Act II, the Queen urges the 
King to punish the Admiral for the affront offered to the 
royal name in tearing the bill; the Constable and 
Admiral meet and reproach each other; the King has 
an interview with the Admiral and threatens to issue a 
process against him, if he does not humble himself. 
Chabot, conscious of his own rectitude, refuses. The 
King sends for the Chancellor and directs him to bring 
the Admiral to trial. The substance of the interview 
between the King and Chabot is taken from Pasquier. 
KoeppeP shows that in many cases an almost literal 

^ Quellen — Studien zu den Dramen George Chapman's, etc., p. 54 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 31 

translation is made. The dramatist's use of his material 
is indicated by the following excerpts: "Entre ceux 
qui eurent bonne part en ses -[Francois I] bonne graces, 
ce fut Messire Philippe Chabot, et ne trouue Seigneur 
de tout ce temps-la ny depuis qui eut approche nos 
Roys, lequel ait este tant charge de dignitez que cestuy. 
Car il estoit Cheualier de I'Ordre, Admiral de France, 
Lieutenant General du Roy au pays et Duche de Bour- 
gongne, Conseiller au Conseil Priue, et en outre Lieuten- 
ant general de Monsieur de Dauphin aux Gouuernemens 
de Dauphine et de Normandie." ^ Compare with this the 
following : 

King, Of all that ever shar'd in my free graces 
You Philip Chabot a meane Gentleman 
Have not I rais'd you to a supremest Lord, 
And given you greater dignities than any? 

Have not I made you first a Knight of the Order? 
Then Admirall of France, then Count Byzanges, 
Lord, and Livetenant generall of all 
My country, and command of Burgady; 
Livetenant generall likewise of my sonne 
Daulphine, and heire, and of all Normandy, 
And of my chiefely honor'd privy Counsell, 
And cannot all these powers weigh downe your will?^ 

The third act opens with the appearance of the 
accused Admiral, his wife and her father ; the wife asserts 
her loyalty to her husband ; the Queen accompanied by 
the enemies of the Admiral appears. The scene between 
the Queen and the wife and a similar scene at the 
beginning of the fourth act constitute the most effective 
parts of the play. Nowhere else has Chapman suc- 
ceeded so well in his portrayal of women. Pasquier 

^ Pasquier, 1. c, p. 472 B. 
^Chabot, Act II, 11. 213-226. 



32 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

gives no hint of feminine influence upon the fortunes of 
Chabot. In reality it was not the Queen but the 
Duchesse d'Estampes, the mistress of the King, who was 
concerned in the matter. Gaspard de Saulx, Seigneur 
de Tavannes mentions the affair briefly as follov/s: 

"Le Roy sort de la prison du bois de Vincennes Phillippes 
Chabot, admiral de France, confin6 par commissaires, non par 
justice. Les dames avoient aid6 k sa faveur, par les dames 
elle se pert, contendant madame d'Estampes avec madame 
I'admirale de Brion. Le connestable luy avoit nuit: la 
faveur n'admet de compagnon; il s'estoit roidy contre 
son maistre, et demande justice sans faveur. Sa liberte 
fur I'appointement de Madame d'Estampes, laquelle establie 
ne craignoit plus madame I'admirale. Les conditions fuerent 
la mariage du fils aisn^ de monsieur 1 'admirals, avec la 
niepce de madame d'Estampes."^ 

When one recalls Chapman's experience in connection 
with the Biron plays, it does not seem strange that he 
avoided mention of a mistress of the King in his subse- 
quent dramas. That part of the third act which deals with 
the trial of the Admiral is taken from Pasquier. The 
speeches of the Proctor-general are close translations 
of the original narrative. The device of the Judges in 
affixing "vi." to their names appears in Pasquier ; the offer 
of the King, Act IV, to pardon the Admiral and his 
refusal to accept the royal pardon are taken from the 
French narrative, but are slightly expanded by Chap- 
man. Pasquier moralizes concerning the advantage 
of uprightness in a Judge as follows: "Je vous ay 
recite deux Histoires dont pourrez recueillir deux 
legons: L'vne que quelque commission qu'vn Juge 
regoiue de son Prince, il doit tousiours buter k la Justice, 
et non aux pasions de celuy qui le met en oeuure, lequel 
reuenant auec le temps a son mieux penser, se repent a- 
pres de sa soudainete, et recognoist tout k loisir celuy 

^ Nouvclle Collection des Memoires, VIII, loo. 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 33 

estre indigne de porter le tiltre de Juge, qui a abus6 de sa 
conscience pour luy complaire," Chapman '• puts this 
into the mouth of the King:* 

King. Be you two joyn'd in the commission, 

And nothing urg'd but justly, of me learning 

This one more lesson out of the events 

Of these affaires now past, that whatsoever 

Charge or Commission Judges have from us, 

They ever make their ayme ingenuous Justice, 

Not partiall for reward, or swelling favour. 

To which if your King steere you, spare to obey; 

For when his troubled blood is cleere, and calme. 

He will repent that he pursued his rage. 

Before his pious Law, and hold that ludge 

Vnworthy of his place, that lets his censure 

Flote in the waves of an imagin'd favour. 

This shipwracks in the haven, and but wounds 

Their -consciences that sooth the soone ebb'd humours 

Of their incensed King.^ 

The fifth act treats of the trial and conviction of the 
Chancellor and the death of Chabot. Some hints were 
furnished by Pasquier for the trial scene, but there is 
much in the dramatic account that is original or from 
other sources than Pasquier. Only a brief mention 
is made of the Admiral's death by the historian. 
"Le coup toutesfois du premier arrest I'vlcera de telle 
fajon qu'il ne suruesquit pas longuement." Chabot 
died June i, 1543, more than two years after his trial. ;J 
It is evident then that the narrative of Pasquier fur- 
nished those parts of the drama which deal with the rela- 
tions of Chabot and the King, the trial and conviction 
of the Admiral, and his subsequent pardon by the King. 
The narrative is slightly expanded by the dramatist, but 
in many cases there is an almost literal translation. The 

^Chabot, Act IV, 11. 441-456. 



34 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

same source doubtless furnished a few facts which were 
elaborated in the account of the trial of the Chancellor. 
Montmorency is named by Pasquier but not in connec- 
tion with Chabot. The other characters are not raen- 
tioned by the historian. An examination of the works 
of the French chronologers of this period has failed to 
show anything (except the brief mention by de Saulx) 
that might have been used as a source. I cannot, 
however, regard these characters as the creation of 
Chapman. While not nearly all his plays have been 
traced to their sources, it is remarkable that in all the 
cases in which his sources have been discovered, his 
method is the same. He selects his episodes or inci- 
dents from different authors and follows the original 
closely; when there is expansion, it is due to Chapman's 
tendency to make his characters indulge in a train of 
philosophic reflection. This tendency is illustrated in 
the Biron plays and in The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois. 
The question whether Pasquier was the immediate 
source used by Chapman remains to be considered. 
Koeppel had made otit a strong case in favor of his 
theory of Chapman's use of the original material; but 
Professor Boas in the article above mentioned seems to 
have proved that in the case of the Biron plays and The 
Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois the dramatist used Grime- 
ston's translation and not the original sources. It 
seems not unlikely that the historical matter used in 
writing Chabot was obtained from a similar source ; but 
I have not been able to find any record of an- English 
translation of Pasquier. There is none in the British 
Museum. Possibly a fuller investigation of the various 
stories from Italian and other sources might reveal the 
source of the minor scenes of this drama. 

Mention has already been made of the reasons for the 
failure of this work as a dramatic production. I cannot 
but feel that there is another and a better reason for 
its failure. The play, which is essentially a comedy, is 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 35 

converted into a tragedy. The fifth act is an excres- 
cence. The first four acts have all the elements of 
serious comedy ; there is nothing in them to prepare for 
the tragic scene of the fifth act. We have a fine example 
of a reconciling drama up to the beginning of that act. 
A plot is made against an honorable man, who can save 
himself only by compromising his honor; he is brought 
to trial and condemned ; but by a sudden turn of the 
wheel the situation is changed, the guilty will be pun- 
ished, and the upright Admiral elevated to a higher 
place of favor than he had before occupied. The death 
of Chabot serves no dramatic purpose unless one is to be 
found in his public forgiveness of the unjust Chancellor. 
It comes upon us just as the mind has accepted as 
proper and wise the solution of the fourthact. A part 
of the fifth act deals with the trial of the Chancellor, 
and though the manner in which the Proctor-general 
denounces the officer whom he so recently lauded is not 
without interest, from the dramatic point of view this 
second trial scene cannot be justified. 

The principal anachronisms and inversions of his- 
torical facts have been mentioned. Chapman has 
probably neither more nor fewer of these than are to 
be found in the dramas of Shakespeare and the majority 
of the Elizabethan dramatists. He presents "not 
truth but things like truth." Fleay's supposition that 
"the play was an old one of Chapman's alluded to in 
Northward Ho and written c. 1604"^ is disproved by the 
fact that at least one important source, Pasquier's nar- 
rative, was not published until 162 1. Fleay continues, 
"The omission of proper names for the characters looks 
as if there were an under application intended. Could 
Chapman have written it concerning the Earl of Essex and 
Shirley have twisted it to point at Francis Bacon?" The 
fact that the drama could not have been written before 

^'Chronicle of the English Drama, II, 241. 



36 The Tragedies of Chapman. 

162 1 puts the first of these suggestions out of question 
as Essex had then been dead twenty years. The 
trial and conviction of Bacon occurred in 162 1, but 
there is absolutely nothing in the drama that would 
lead to the identification of Bacon with Chabot. The 
circumstances attending the trials of the two men were 
entirely different. The charges against Bacon were 
specific; those against Chabot, general. Bacon was 
tried by the House of Lords; Chabot, by a Special 
Commission. Bacon sent a letter in which he admitted 
his guilt and implored the Lords to be merciful to him; 
Chabot appeared in person before his judges, denied his 
guilt, and though convicted, refused to accept pardon 
of the King. If any special application were intended 
by Chapman, it is much more likely that Bacon is to be 
identified with Poyet, the unjust Chancellor. There 
were doubtless very many persons who never forgave 
Bacon for the severity with which he attacked his former 
patron, the impulsive Essex, when that nobleman was 
brought to trial. These doubtless experienced a feeling 
of satisfaction when Bacon was himself convicted of 
receiving bribes and degraded from his high office. The 
speech of the Advocate at the trial of Chabot, bears a 
definite resemblance to the speech of Bacon at the trial 
of Essex. The plan is the same in both addresses: 
Both speakers compliment the judges upon their intel- 
ligence, both dwell upon the wickedness of a man who 
could meditate treason against his Sovereign ; the good- 
ness of the Sovereign is emphasized by both speakers; 
Bacon compares Essex to Cain ; the Proctor-general 
compares Chabot to Brutus ; Essex is urged not to 
justify his conduct ; Chabot is reproached for justifying 
himself. 

If the Chancellor of the drama can be identi- 
fied with Bacon the eulogistic speech of the Proctor- 
general, wherein he refers to the Chancellor as "so 
full of equity, so noble, so notable in the progress 



The Tragedies of Chapman. 37 

of his life, so innocent, in the manage of his office so 
incorrupt," is a fine piece of satire. A further resem- 
blance is to be found in the sentences inflicted on Bacon 
and the Chancellor Poyet; both were sentenced to pay 
heavy fines, to lose their offices, to be incapable of 
again holding office and to suffer imprisonment. Sen- 
tences of this kind were common during the reign of King 
James, but the similarity of the punishments of the two 
men adds to the possibility of their identification. 

The resemblances just enumerated are not offered as 
proofs of the identity of Poyet with Bacon, but as 
suggesting the possibility, or even probability that a 
satire upon the fallen Lord Chancellor was intended. 



THE 

TRAGEDIE 



OF 



C H A B O T 

ADMIRALL OF 

F R A K C E: 

As it was prefented by her 

Majefties Servants, at tbephVate 
Hou(e in Drury Lane^ 



.«ffl>Ae 



George QapHmn, 
Wrictcnbys and 



4" 4"!' 4' 



LOt^DOT^ 
Printed by The Coces^ for AnckemQmUy 
and Witticn Qpoht. 



SPEAKERS. 

ASALL. ChABOT. 

Allegre. Judges. 

King. Officers 

QuEENE. Secretary. 

Treasuror. Vushers. 

Chancellor. Constable. 

Admirall. Courtiers. 

Father. Porter. 

Generall. Guard. 



Uc) 



The T'RAGET^IE of PHILIP CHABOT, 
ADMI%ALL of F%ANCE. 

Actus Primus. 
Enter Asall, and Allegre. 

Asall. Now Phillip Chabot, Admirall of France, 
The great, and onely famous Favorite 
To Francis first of that Imperiall name, 
Hath foiind a fresh competitor in glory, 
(Duke Montmorancie, Constable of France) 
Who drinkes as deepe as he of the streame Royall, 
And may in little time convert the strength 
To raise his spring, and blow the others fall. 

Al. The world would wish it so, that will not patiently 
Endure the due rise of a vertuous man. lo 

As. If he be vertuous, what is the reason 
That men affect him not, why is he lost 
Toth' generall opinion, and become 
Rather their hate than love? 

Al. I wonder you 
Will question it, aske a ground or reason 
Of men bred in this vile degenerate age; 
The most men are not good, and it agrees not 
With impious natures to allow whats honest, 
Tis an offence enough to be exalted 

To regall favours , great men are not safe 20 

In their owne vice, where good men by the hand 
Of Kings are planted to survey their workings; 
What man was ever fixt'ith Sphere of honour, 
And precious to his Soveraigne, whose actions, 
Nay very soule was not expos 'd to every 

(41) 



42 Tragedies of Chapman 

Common and base dissection? and not onely 
That which in Nature hath excuse, and in 
Themselves is priviledg'd by name of frailtie, 
But even Vertues are made crimes, and doom'd 
Toth' fate of Treason. 

As. A bad age the while, 30 

I aske your pardon Sir, but thinkes 3^our judgement, 
His love to Justice, and Corruptions hate 
Are true and hearty? 

Al. ludge your selfe by this 
One argument, his hearty truth to all, 
For in the heart hath anger his wisest seate. 
And gainst unjust suites such brave anger fires him, 
That v/hen they seeke to passe his place and power. 
Though mov'd, and urg'd by the other minion. 
Or by his greatest friends, and even the King 
Leade them to his allowance with his hand, 40 

First given in Bill, assign 'd, even then his spirit, 
(In nature calme as any Summers evening) 
Puts up his Whole powers like a Winters sea, 
His bloud boyles over, and his heart even cracks 
At the injustice, and he teares the Bill, 
And would doe, were he for't to be tome in peeces. 

As. Tis brave I sweare. 

Al. Nay it is worthy your wonder 
That I must tell you further, theres no Needle 
In a Sunne Diall plac'd upon his Steele 
In such a tender posture, that doth tremble 50 

The timely Diall being held amisse. 
And will shake ever, till you hold it right 
More tender than himsefe in any thing 
That he concludes in lustice for the State: 
For as a fever held him, hee will shake 
When he is signing any things of weight, 
Least humane frailty should misguide his justice. 

As. You have declar'd him a most noble lusticer. 

Al. He tniely weighes and feeles Sir, what a charge 
The subjects livings are (being even their lives 60 



Tr age die of Chabot ^.^ 

Laid on the hand of power,) which abus'd^ ^ 
Though seene, blood flownot from the justice seate, 
Tis in true sence as grievous, and horrid. ;' 

As. It argues nothing lesse, but since your Lord 
Is diversly reported for his parts, 
Whats your true censure of his generall worth, 
Vertue and ludgement. 

Al. As of a Picture wrought to opticke reason, 
That to all passers by, seemes as they move 
Now woman, now a Monster, now a DiveU, 
And till you stand, and in a right line view it, 
You cannot well judge what the maine forme is. 
So men that view him but in vulgar passes 
Casting but laterall, or partiall glances. 
At what he is, suppose him weake, imjust. 
Bloody, and monstrous, but stand free and fast. 
And judge him by no more than what you know 
Ingenuously, and by the right laid line 
Of truth, he truely, will all stiles deserve 
Of wise, just, good, a man both soule and nerve. 80 

As. Sir, I must joyne in just beleefe with you, 
But whats his rivall the Lord high Constable? 

Al. As just, and well inclin'd when hee's himselfe, 
(Not wrought on with the coimsells, and opinions 
Of other men) and the maine difference is. 
The Admirall is not flexible nor wonne 
To move one scruple, when he comprehends 
The honest tract and justnesse of a cause. 
The Constable explores not so sincerely 
The course hee runnes, but takes the minde of others 90 
(By name ludiciall) for what his owne 
ludgement, and knowledge should conclude. 

As. A fault 
In my apprehension, anothers knowledge 
Applied to my instruction, cannot equall 



^Dyce punctuates which abus'd, 

Though seen blood flow not, etc. 



44 Tragedies of Chapman 

My owne soules knowledge, how to informe Acts; 

The Sunnes rich radiance shot through waves most faire, 

Is but a shaddow to his beames ith' ayre, 

His beames that in the ayre we so admire, 

Is but a darkenesse to his flame in fire. 

In fire his fervour but as vapour flies lOO 

To what his owne pure bosome rarifies: 

And the Almighty wisedom, having given 

Each man within himselfe an apter light 

To guide his acts, than any light without him 

(Creating nothing not in all things equall) 

It seemes a fault in any that depend 

On others knowledge, and exile their owne. 

Al. Tis nobly argued, and exemplified. 
But now I heare my Lord, and his young rivall 
Are to be reconcil'd, and then one light no 

May serve to guide them both. 

As. I wish it may, the King being made first mover 
To forme their reconcilement, and enflame it 
With all the sweetnesse of his praise and honour. 

Al. See, tis dispatch'd I hope, the King doth grace it. 

Loud Musicke, and Enter Vshers before, the Secre- 
tary, Tresuror, Chancellor, Admirall, 
Constable hand in hand, the King 
following, others attend. 

Kin. This doth expresse the noblest fruit of peace, 

Cha. Which when the great begin, the humble end 
In joyfuU imitation, all combining 
A gardian beyond the^ 'hrigian knot 
Past wit to lose it, or the sword, be still so. 120 

Tre. Tis certaine Sir, by concord least things grow 
Most great, and flourishing like trees that wrap 
Their forehead in the skies, may these doe so. 

Kin. You heare my Lord, all that is spoke contends 
To celebrate with pious vote the attonement 
So lately, and so nobly made betweene you, 

'So printed in quarto. 



Tragedie of Chabot 45 

Ad. Which for it selfe Sir,^ resolve to keepe 
Pure, and inviolable, needing none 
To encourage or confirme it, but my owne 
Love and allegiance to your sacred counsell. 130 

Kin. Tis good, and pleases, like my dearest health, 
Stand you firme on that sweete simplicitie. 

Con. Past all earth pollicie that would infringe it. 

Kin. Tis well, and answers all the doubts suspected. 
Enter one that whispers with the Admirall. 
And what moves this close message Phillip? 

Adm. My wives Father Sir, is closely come to Court. 

King. Is he come to the Court, whose aversation 
So much affects him, that he shimnes and flies it, 
What's the strange reason that he will not rise 
Above the middle region he was borne in? 140 

Adm. He saith Sir, tis because the extreame of height 
Makes a man lesse seeme to the imperfect eye 
Then he is truely, his acts envied more, 
And though he nothing cares for seeming, so 
His being just stand firme twixt heaven and him. 
Yet since in his soules jealousie, hee feares 
That he himself e advanced, would undervalue 
Men placed beneath him, and their businesse with him, 
Since height of place oft dazles height of judgement, 
He takes his toppe-saile downe in such rough stormes, 1 50 
And apts his sailes to ayres more temperate. 

Kin. A most wise soule he has, how long shall Kings 
Raise men that are not wise till they be high? 
You haue our leave, but tell him Phillip wee 
Would have him neerer. 

Con. Your desires attend you. 

Enter another. 

Kin. We know from whence you come, say to the 
Queene, 
We were comming to her, tis a day of love 

* Dyce inserts /. 



46 Tragedies of Chapman 

And she scales all perfection. 

Exit. 

Tre. My Lord, 
We must beseech your stay. 

Con. My stay? 

Cha. Our Counsells 
Have led you thus farre to your reconcilement, 160 

And must remember you, to observe the end 
At which in plaine I told you then wee aim'd at, 
You know we all urg'd the attonement, rather 
To enforce the broader difference betweene you, 
Then to conclude your friendshippe, which wise men 
Know to be fashionable, and priviledg'd pollicie, 
And will succeede betwixt you, and the Admirall 
As sure as fate, if you please to get sign'd 
A sute now to the King with all our hands, 
Which will so much increase his precise justice, 170 
That weighing not circumstances of politicke State, 
He will instantly oppose it, and complaine. 
And urge in passion, w^hat the King will sooner 
Punish than yeeld too, and so render you 
In the Kings frowne on him, the onely darling, 
And mediate power of France. 

Con. My good Lord Chancellor, 
Shall I so late atton'd, and by the Kings 
Hearty and earnest motion, fall in peeces? 

Cha. Tis he, not you that breake. 

Tre. Ha not you patience 
So- let him bume himselfe in the Kings flame? ' 180 

Cha. Come, be not Sir infected with a spice 
Of that too servile equitie, that renders 
Men free borne slaves, and rid with bits like horses. 
When you must know my Lord ; that even in nature 
A man is Animall politicum, 
So that when he informes his actions simply 
He does in both gainst pollicie and nature. 
And therefore our soule motion is affirm 'd 
To be like heavenly natures circular, 



Tragedie of Chahot 47 

And circles being call'd ambitious lines, 190 

We must like them become ambitious ever, 

And endles in our circumventions; 

No tough hides limiting our cheverill mindes. 

Tre. Tis learnedly, and past all answer argued, 
Yare great, and must grow greater still, and greater, 
And not be like a dull and standing lake, 
That settles, putrifies, and chokes with mudde, 
But like a river gushing from the head. 
That windes through the undervailes, what checkes 

oreflowing 
Gets strength still of his course, 200 

Till with the Ocean meeting, even with him 
In sway, and title, his brave billowes move. 

Con. You speake a rare affection, and high soules, 
But give me leave great Lords, still my just thankes 
Remembred to your coimsells and direction, 
I seeking this way to confirme my selfe 
I undermine the columnes that support 
My hopefull glorious fortime, and at once 
Provoke the tempest, though did drowne my envie, 
With what assurance shall the King expect 210 

My faith to him, that breake it for another , 
He has engag'd our peace, and my revenge 
Forfits my trust with him, whose narrow sight 
Will penetrate through all our mists, could we 
Vaile our designe with clouds blacker than night; 
But grant this danger over, with what Justice, 
Or satisfaction to the inward ludge. 
Shall I be gultie of this good mans mine. 
Though I may still the murmuring tongues without me. 
Loud conscience has a voyce to shadder^ greatnesse. 220 

Seer. A name to fright, and terrific yoimg statists, 
There is necessitie my Lord, that you 
Must lose your light, if you ecclipse not him. 
Two starres so Lucide cannot shine at once 



1 Dyce and Shepherd read shudder 



48 Tragedies of Chapman 

In such a firmament, and better you 
Extinguish his fires, then be made his fuell, 
And in your ashes give his flame a Trophy. 

Cha. My Lord, the league that you have vow'd of 
friendship, 
In a true understanding not confines you. 
But makes you boundlesse, tunie not edge at such 230 
A hberty, but looke to your owne fortune; 
Secure your honour, a Precisian, 
In state, is a ridcculous miracle 
Friendship is but a visor, beneath which 
A wise man laughes to see whole families 
Ruinde, upon whose miserable pile 
He moimts to glory. Sir you must resolve 
To use any advantage. 

Con. Misery 
Of rising Statesmen I mvist on, I see 
That 'gainst the politicke, and priviledg'd fashion, 240 
All justice tasts but affectation. 

Cha. Why so? we shall do good on him ith 'end. Exeunt. 

Enter Father and the Admirall. 

Adm. You are most welcome. 

Fa. I wish your Lordships safetie, 
Which whilst I pray for, I must not forget 
To urge agen the wayes to fixe you where 
No danger has accesse to threaten you. 

Adm. Still your old argument, I owe your love fort. 

Fa. But fortified with new and pregnant reasons, 
That you shotild leave the Court. 

Ad. I dare not Sir. 250 

Fa. You dare be undone then. 

Ad. I should be ingratcfull 
To such a master, as no subject boasted 
To leave his service when they exact 
My chief est dutie, and attendance Sir. 

Fa. Would thou wert lesse degraded from thy titles, 
And swelling offices, that will ith 'end 



Tragedie of Chabot 49 

Engulf e thee past a rescue, I had not come 
So farre to trouble you at this time, but that 
I doe not like the loud tongues o' the world, 
That say the King has tane another favorite, 260 

The Constable a gay man, and a great, 
With a hugh traine of faction too, the Queene, 
Chancellor, Treasurer, Secretary, and 
An army of state warriers, whose discipline 
Is sure, and subtile to confusion, 
I hope the rumour's false, thou art so calme. 
Adm. Report has not abus'd you Sir. 
Fa. It has not. 
And you are pleas 'd, then you doe mean to mixe 
With unjust courses, the great Constable 
And you combining, that no suite may passe 270 

One of the graples of your cithers rape, 
I that abhorr'd, must I now entertaine 
A thought, that your so straight, and simple custome 
To render lustice, and the common good. 
Should now be patch 'd with pollicy, and wrested 
From the ingenious step you tooke, 
And hang 

Upon the shoulders of your enemy 
To beare you out in what you shame to act. 
Adm. Sir, We both are reconciled. 
Fa. It followes then that both the acts must beare 280 
Like reconcilement, and if hee will now 
Maligne and mallice you for crossing him 
Or any of his faction in their suites. 
Being now atton'd, you must be one in all, 
One in corruption, and twixt you two millstones 
New pickt, and put together, must the graine 
Of good mens needfull meanes to live, be ground 
Into your choking superfluities; 
You both too rich, they ruinde. 

Adm. I conceive Sir 
Wee both may be enrich'd, and raise our fortunes 290 
Even with our places in our Soveraignes favour : 



50 Tragedies of Chapman 

Though past the height of others, yet within 
The rules of Law and Justice, and approove 
Our actions white and innocent. 

Fa. I doubt it 
Wliile inforc'd shew perhaps, which A^all I feare 
Prove in true substance but a Millers whitenesse, 
More sticking in your clothes then conscience. 

Adm. Your censure herein tasts some passion Sir, 
And I beseech you nourish better thoughts. 
Then to imagine that the Kings meere grace 300 

Sustaines such prejudice by those it honours; 
That of necessitie we must pervert it 
With passionate enemies, and ambitious boundlesse 
Avarice, and every licence incident 
To fortunate greatnesse, and that all abuse it 
For the most impious avarice of some. 

Fa. As if the totall summc of favorites frailties 
Affected not the full nile of their Kings 
In their oNvne partially disposed ambitions, 
And that Kings doe no hazard infinitely 310 

In their free realties of rights and honours, 
Where they leave much for favourites powers to order. 

Adm. But wee have such a master of our King 
In the Imperiall art, that no power flies 
Out of his favour, but his policie ties 
A criance to it, to containe it still; 
And for the reconcilement of us Sir, 
Never were two in favour, that were more, 
One in all love of Justice, and true honour, 
Though in the act and prosecution 320 

Pehaps we differ. Howsoever yet 
One beame us both creating, what should let 
That both our soules should both one mettle beare. 
And that one stampe, one word, one character. 

Fa. I could almost be won to be Courtier, 
Theres some thing more in's composition. 
Then ever yet was favourites. 



Tragedie of Chabot $1 

Enter a Courtier. 

Whats hee? 

Cour. I bring your Lordship a sign'd bill, to have 
The addition of your honor'd hand, the counsell 
Have all before subscribed, and full prcpar'd it. 330 
Ad. It seemes then they have weigh'd the importance 
of it. 
And know the grant is just. 
Cour. No doubt my Lord, 
Or else they take therein the Constables word, 
It being his suite, and his power having wrought 
The King already to appose his hand. 

Adm. I doe not like his working of the King, 
For if it be a suite made knowne to him. 
And fit to passe, he wrought himselfe to it, 
However my hand goes to no such grant. 
But first rie know and censure it myself e. 340 

Cour. A he,* if thou beest goddesse of contention 
That love tooke by the haire, and hurl'd from heaven 
Assume in earth thy empire, and this bill 
Thy firebrand make to tume his love, thus tempted 
Into a hate, as horrid as thy furies. 

Adm. Does this beare title of his Lordships suite? 
Cour. It does my Lord, and therefore he beseech 'd 
The rather your dispatch. 

Adm. No thought the rather, 
But now the rather all the powers against it, 
The suite being most in juste, and he pretending 350 
In all his actions justice, on the sudden 
After his so late vow not to violate it. 
Is strange and vile, and if the King himselfe 
Should owne and urge it, I would stay and crosse it, 
For tis within the free power of my office, 
And I should straine his kingdome if I past it, 
I see their poore attempts, and giddy malice ; 

1 At^; so in Dyce and Shepherd. 



52 Tragedies of Chaptiian 

Is this the reconcilement that so lately 

He vow'd in sacred witnesse of the King? 

Assuring me, he never more would offer 360 

To passe a suite unjust, which I well know 

This is, above all, and have often beene urg'd 

To give it passage, be you Sir the Judge. 

Fa. I wonot^ meddle 
With any tiling of state, you knew long since. 

Adiii. Yet you may heare it Sir. 

Fa. You wonot urge 
My opinion then, go to. 

Adm. An honest merchant 
Presuming on our league of France with Spaine, 
Brought into Spaine a wealthy ship, to vent 
Her fit commodities to serve the country, 370 

Which, in the place of suffering their saile 
Were scas'd to rccompence a Spanish ship 
Priz'd by a FrcncJi man, ere the league was made, 
No suites, no letters of our Kings could gaine 
Our merchants first right in it, but his letters 
Vnreverently received, the Kings selfe scandall, 
Besides the leagues breach, and the foule injustice 
Done to our honest merchant, who endured all. 
Till some small time since (authoris'd by our coimsell, 
Though not in open Court) he made a ship out, ^So 

And tooke a Spaniard, brings all home, and sues 
To gaine his full prov'd losse, full recompence 
Of his just prize, his prize is staid and ceaz'd, 
Yet for the Kings disposure, and the Sp>aniard- 
Makes suite to be rcstor'd her, which this bill 
Would faine get granted, faining (as they hop'd) 
With my allowance, and way giveti to make 
Our Countrey mans in Spaine their absolute prize. 

Fa. I were^ absolute injustice. 

Adm. Should I passe it. 

* Win not in Dyce and Shepherd. 
' Tivcre in Dyce and Shepherd. 



Tragedie of Chahot 53 

Fa. Passe life, and state before. 

Adm. If this would seeme 390 

His Lordships suite, his love to' me, and justice 
Including plots upon me, while my simplenesse 
Is seriously vow'd to reconcilement; 
Love him good vulgars, and abhorre me still, 
For if I court your flatterie with my crimes. 
Heavens love before me fly, till in my tombe 
I sticke pursuing it, and for this bill. 
Thus say twas shiver 'd, blesse us equall heaven! Exit. 

Fa. This could I cherish, now above his losse, 
You may report as much, the bill discharg'd Sir. 400 

Exeunt. 



Actus Secundus. 

Enter King and Queen, Secretary with the Torne Bill. 

Kin. Is it ene so. 

Que. Good heaven how tame you are? 
Doe Kings of France reward foule Traitors thus? 

Kin. No Traitor, y'are too loude, Chabots no Traitor, 
He has the passions of a man aVjout him. 
And multiplicitie of cares may make 
Wise men forget themselves, come be you patient. 

Qu. Can you be so, and see your selfe thus tome. 

Kin. Our selfe. 

Qu. There is some left, if you dare owne, 
Your royall character, is not this your name? 

Kin. Tis Francis I confesse. 

Qu. Be but a name 
If this staine live upon't, affronted, by 10 

Your subject, shall the sacred name of King, 
A word to make your nation bow and tremble, 



54 Tragedies of Chapman 

Be thus profain'd, are lawes establish 'd 

To punish the defacers of your image, 

But dully set by the rude hand of others 

Vpon your coine, and shall the character 

That doth include the blessing of all France, 

Your name, thus written by your royall hand 

Design 'd for Justice, and your Kingdomes honoiu", 20 

Not call up equall anger to reward it? 

Your Counsellors of state contemn 'd and slighted 

^As in this braine more circumscrib'd all wisedome, 

And pollicy of Empire, and your power, 

Subordinate and subject to his passion. 

Kin. Come, it concemes you not. 

Qu. Is this the consequence 
Of an attonement made so lately betweene 
The hopefull Mountmorencie, and his Lordship 
Vrge^ by your selfe with such a precious sanction ; 
Come, he that dares doe this, wants not a heart. 30 

But opportunitie. 

Kin. To doe what? 

Qu. To teare your crowne ott. 

Kin. Come your language doth taste more 
Of rage and womanish flame than solid reason 
Against the Admirall, what commands of yours 
Not to your expectation obey'd 
By him, is ground of your so keene displeasure? 

Qu. Commands of mine? he is too great, and powerfull 
To stoope to my employment, a Colossus, 
And can stride from one Province to another 
By the assistance of those offices 
You have most confidently impos'd upon him, 
Tis he, not you take up the peoples eyes 
And admiration, while his Princely wife. 

Kin. Nay then I reach the spring of your distaste, 
He has a wife, — 



'A corrupt line: Shepherd reads, As in his braine were, etc 
Urged. 



Tragedie of Chahot 55 

Enter Chancellor, Treasurer, and whisper with the King. 

Qu. Whom for her pride I love not, 
And I but in her husbands ruine 
Can triumph ore her greatnesse. 

King. Well, well, He thinke on't? Exit. 

Cha. He beginnes to incline. 
Madam you are the soule of our great worke. 

Qu. He follow, and imploy my powers upon him. 50 

Tre. We are confident you will prevaile at last, 
And for the pious worke oblige the King to you. 

Cha, And us your humblest creatures. 

Que. Presse no further. Exit Que. 

Cha. Lets seeke out my Lord Constable. 

Tre. And inflame him. ,i 

Cha. To expostulate with Chahot, something may 
Arise from thence, to pull more weight upon him. Exeunt. 

Enter Father and Allegre. 

Fa. How sorts the businesse? how tooke the King 
The tearing of his bill? 

At. Exceeding well, 
And seem'd to smile at all their grimme complaints, 
Gainst all that outrage to his highnesse hand, 60 

And said in plaine, he sign'd it but to try 
My Lords firme Justice. 

Fa. What a sweete King tis? 

Al. But how his rivall the Lord Constable 
Is labour'd by the Chancellor, and others to retort 
His wrong with ten parts more upon my Lord, 
Is monstrous? 

Fa. Neede hee their spurres? 

Al. ^1 Sir, for hees afraid 
To beare himselfe too boldly in his braves 
Vpon the King (being newly entred Mynion) 
Since tis but patience sometime they thinke; 70 



^Ay in Dyce and Shepherd. 



56 Tragedies of Chapman 

Because the favor spending in two streames, 

One must runne low at length, till when he dare 

Take fire in such flame, as his faction washes. 

But with wise feare containes himselfe, and so 

Like a greene faggot in his kindling smoakes, 

And where the Chancellor his chiefe Cyclops findes 

The fire within him apt to take, he blowes. 

And then the faggot flames, as never more 

The bellowes needed, till the too soft greenenesse 

Of his state habit, shewes his sappe still flowes, •■ • 80 

Above the solid timber, with which, then 

His blaze shrinkes head, he cooles, and smoakes agen. 

Fa. Good man he would be, wod the bad not spoile 
him. 

Al. True Sir, but they still ply him with their arts, 
And as I heard have wrought him, personally 
To question my Lord with all the bittemesse 
The galls of all their faction can powre in, 
And such an expectation hangs tipon't. 
Though all the Court as twere with child, and long 'd 
To make a mirror of my Lords cleare blood, ^ ' 90 

And therein see the full ebbe of his flood. 
And therefore if you please to counsell him 
You shall performe a fathers part. 

Fa. Nay since 
Hees gone so faiTC, I wod not have him feare 
But dare e'm, and yet ile not meddle int. 

Enter Admirall. 

Hees here, if he have wit to like his cause. 

His spirit wonot be asham'd to die int. Exit. 

Al. My Lord retire, y'are way-laid in your walkes, 
Your friendes are all fallen from you, all 3''our servants 
Suborn 'd by all advantage to report 100 

Each word 3^ou whisper out, and to ser^'e you 
With hat and knee, while other have their hearts. 

Adm. ]\Iuch profit may my foes make of such servantSu 



Tragedie of Chabot 57 

I love no enemy I have so well, 

To take so ill a bargaine from his hands. 

ii' Al. Their other oddes yet shun, all being combinde, 

And^^lodg'd in ambush ariv'd to doe you mischief e 

By any meanes past feare of law, or soveraigne. 

Adm. I wake no desart, yet goe arm'd with that, 
That would give wildest beasts instincts to rescue, no 
Rather than offer any force to hurt me ; 
My innocence is, which is a conquering justice, 
As weares a shield, that both defends and fights. 

All. One against all the world. 

Adm. The more the oddes. 
The lesse the conquest, or if all the world 
Be thought an army fit to employ against one, 
That one is argued fit to fight gainst all ; 
If I fall under them, this breast shall beare 
Their heape digested in my sepulchre. 
Death is the life of good men, let e'm come. 120 

Enter Constable, Chancellor, Treasurer, Secretary. 

Con. I thought my Lord our reconcilement perfect, 
You have exprest what sea of gall flow'd in you, 
In tearing of the bill I sent to allow. 

Adm. Dare you confesse the sending of that bill. 

Con. Dare, why not.? 

Adm. Because it breake your oath 
Made in our reconcilement, and betrayes 
The honour, and the chiefe life of the King 
Which is his justice. 

Con. Betraies? 

Adm. No lesse, and that He prove to him. 

Omnes. You cannot. 

Trea. I would not wish you offer at an action 130 

So most impossibly, and much against 
The judgement, and favour of the King. 

Adm. His judgement nor his favour I respect, 
So I preserve his lustice. 



58 Tragedies of Chapman 

Cha. Tis not Justice, 
Which rie prove by law, and absolute learning. 

Adm. All your great law, and learning are but words, 
When I plead plainely, naked truth and deedes. 
Which though you seeke to fray with state, and glory, 
rie shoote a shaft at all your globe of light. 
If lightning split it, yet twas high and right. Exit. 140 

Con. Brave resolution so his acts be just. 
He cares for gaine not honour. 

Chan. How came he then 
By all his infinite honour and his gaine? 

Tre. Well said, my Lord. 

Sec. Answ^er but onely that. 

Con. By doing justice still in all his actions. 

Sec. But if this action prove unjust, will you 
Say all his other may be so as well, 
And thinke your owne course fitter farre than his. 

Con, I will— Exit. 

Cha. He cooles, we must not leave him, we have no 150 
Such engine to remove the Admirall. Exeunt. 

Enter King and the Admirall. 

Kin. I prethee Philip be not so severe 
To him I favour, tis an argument 
That may serve one day to availe yourselfe, 
Nor Does it square with your so gentle nature, 
To give such fires of envie to your bloud ; 
For howsoeuer out of love to Justice, 
Your lealousie of that doth so incense you. 
Yet they that censure it will say tis envy. 

Adm. I serve not you for them, btit for your self e, 160 
And that good in your Rule, that lustice does you, 
And care not this what others say, so you 
Please but to doe me right for what you know. 

King. You will not doe your selfe right, why should I 
Exceede yoti to your selfe? 

Adm. My selfe am nothing 



Tragcdie of Chabot 59 

Compar'ci to what I seeke, tis justice onely 
The fount and flood, both of your strength and king- 
domes. 

King. But who knowes not, that extreame justice is 
(by all ruld lawes) the extreartie of injurie, 
And must to you be so, the persons that 170 

Your passionate heate calls into question 
Are great, and many, and may wrong in you 
Your rights of kinde, and dignities of fortune, 
And I advanc'd you not to heape on you 
Honours, and fortunes ; that by strong hand now 
Held up, and over you, when heaven takes off 
That powerfull hand 'should thunder on your head, 
And after you crush your surviving seedes. 

Adm. Sir, your regards to both are great, and sacred, 
But if the innocence, and right that rais'd me 180 

And meanes for mine, can finde no friend hereafter 
Of him that ever lives, and ever seconds 
All Kings just botinties with defence, and refuge 
In just mens races, let my fabricke mine, 
My stocke want sap, my branches by the roote 
Be tome to death, and swept with whirlewindes out. 

King. For my love no relenting. 

Adm. No my leige, 
Tis for your love, and right that I stand out. 

King. Be better yet advis'd. 

Adm. I cannot Sir 
Should any Oracle become my coimsell, 190 

For that I stand not out, thus of set will, 
Or pride of any singular conceite. 
My enemies, and the world may clearely know, 
I taste no sweetes to drowne in others gall ; 
And to affect in that which makes me lothed. 
To leave my selfe and mine expos 'd to all 
The dangers you propos'd, my purchas'd honours. 
And all my fortunes in an instant lost, 
That mony, cares, and paines, and yeares have gather'd, 
How mad were I to rave thus in my wounds, 200 



6o Tragedies of Chapman 

Vnlesse my knowne health felt in these forc'd issues 
Were sound, and fit, and that I did not know 
By most true proofes, that to become sincere 
With all mens hates, doth farre exceede their loves, 
To be as they are, mixtures of corruption? 
And that those envies that I see pursue me 
Of all true actions are the naturall consequents 
Which being my object, and my resolute choise 
Not for my good but yours, I will have justice. 

King. You will have justice, is your will so strong 210 
Now against mine? your power being so weake 
Before my favour gave them both their forces 
Of all that ever shar'd in my free graces 
You Philip Chahot a meane Gentleman 
Have not I rais'd you to a supremest Lord, 
And given you greater dignities than any? 

Adm. You have so. 

King. Well sed, and to spurre your dullnesse 
With the particulars to which I rais'd you. 
Have not I made you first a Knight of the Order? 
Then Admirall of France, then Count Byzanges, 220 

Lord, and Livetenant generall of all 
My country, and command of Burgady; 
Livetenant generall likewise of my sonne 
Daulphine, and heire, and of all Normandy, 
And of my chiefely honor'd privy Counsell, 
And cannot all these powers weigh downe your will? 

Adm. No Sir, they were not given me to that end, 
But to uphold my will, my will being just. 

King. And who shall judge that Justice, you or I? 

Adm. I Sir, in this case your royall thoughts are fitly 230 
Exempt from every curious search of one. 
You have the generall charge with care of all. 

Kin. And doe not generalls include particulars? 
May not I ludge of anything compriz'd 
In your particular as well as you? 

Adm. Farre be the misery from you, that you may, 
My cares, paines, broken sleepe therein made more 



Tragedie of Chabot 6l 

Than yours should make me see more, and my forces 
Render of better judgement. 

King. Well Sir, grant 
Your force in this my odds in benefits 240 

Paid for your paines, put in the other scale, 
And any equall holder of the ballance 
Will shew my merits hoist yours to aire 
In rule of any doubt or deed betwixt us. 
Adm. You merit not of me for benefits 
More than myselfe of you for services. 
King. 1st possible. 
Adm. Tis true. 
King. Stand you on that? 

Adm. I to the death and will approve to all men. 
Kin. I am deceiv'd, but I shall finde good Judges 
That will finde difference. 

Adm. Finde them being good. 250 

King. Still so? what if conferring 
My bounties, and your services to sound them, 
We fall foule on some licences of yours. 
Nay, give me therein some advantage of you. 
Adm. They cannot. 

King. Not in sifting their severe discharges 
Of all your offices? 

Adm. The more you sift 
The more you shall refine mee. 

King. What if I 
Grant out against you a commission 
loyn'd with an extraordinary processe ^ 260 

To arrest, and put you in lawes hands for triall. 
Adm. Not with lawes uttermost. 
King. He throw the dice. 
Adm. And He endure the chance, 
The dice being square. 

Adm. Repos'd in dreadlesse confidence, and conscience, 
That all your most extreames shall never reach, 
Or to my life, my goodes or honours breach. 
King. Was ever heard so fine a confidence? 



62 Tragedies of Chapman 

Must it not prove presumption, and can that 

Scape brackes and errors in your search of law, 

I prethee weigh yet, with more soule than danger, 270 

And some lesse passion. 

Adm. Witnesse heaven, I cannot. 
Were I dissolv'd, and nothing else but soule. 

King. Beshrew my blood, but his resolves amaze me; 
Was ever such a Justice in a subject, 
Of so much office left to his owne swinge 
That left to law thus, and his Soveraignes wrath. 
Could stand cleare spight of both? let reason rule 
Before it come at law, a man so rare 
In one thing cannot in the rest be vulgar, 
And who sees you not in the broad high-way 280 

The common dust up in your owne eyes, beating 
In quest of riches, honours, offices. 
As heartily in shew as most beleeve. 
And he that can use actions with the vulgar. 
Must needes embrace the same effects & cannot informe 

him; 
Whatsoever he pretends, use them with such 
Free equitie, as fits one just and reall. 
Even in the eyes of men, nor stand at all part; 
So truly circular, so sound, and solid. 
But have his swellings out, his crackes and crannies, 290 
And therefore in this reason, before law 
Take you to her, least you affect and flatter 
Your selfe with mad opinions. 

Adm. I were mad 
Directly Sir, if I were yet to know 
Not the sure danger, but the certaine ruine 
Of men shot into law from Kings bent brow, 
There being no dreame from the most muddie braine 
Vpon the foulest fancie, that can forge 
More horrour in the shaddowes of meere fame. 
Then can some Lawyer in a man expos 'd po 

To his interpretation by the King, 
But these grave toyes I shall despise in death. 



Tragedie of Chabut 63 

And while I live will lay them open so 

(My innocence laid by them) that like foiles 

They shall sticke of my merits tenne times more, 

And make your bounties nothing, for who gives 

And hits ith teeth, himself e payes with the glory 

For which he gave, as being his end of giving, 

Not to crowne merits, or doe any good, 

And so no thankes is due but to his glory, 310 

King. Tis brave I sw^eare. 

Adm. No Sir, tis plaine, and rude 
But true, and spotlesse, and where you object 
My hearty, and grosse vulgar love of riches. 
Titles, and honours, I did never seeke them 
For any love to them, but to that justice 
You ought to use in their due gift to merits, 
To shew you royall, and most open handed, 
Not using for hands talons, pincers, grapples; 
In whose gripes, and upon whose gord point. 
Deserts hang sprawling out their vertuous limbs. 320 

King. Better and better. 

Adm. This your glory is 
My deserts wrought upon no wretched matter, 
But shew'd your royall palmes as free, and moist. 
As Ida, all enchast with silver springs. 
And yet my merit still their equall sings. 

King. Sing till thou sigh thy soule out hence, and 
leave us. 

Adm. My person shall, my love and faith shall never. 

King. Perish thy love, and faith, and thee forever; 
Whose there? 

Enter A sail. 

Let one goe for the Chancellor. 

Asa. He's here in Court Sir. 

King. Haste and send him hither, 330 

This is an insolence I never met with, 
Can one so high as his degrees ascend? 



64 Tragedies of Chapman 

Clime all so free, and without staine? 
My Lord 

Enter Chancellor. 

Chancellor, I send for you about a service 

Of equall price to me, as if againe 

My ransome came to me from Pavian thraldome, 

And more, as if from forth a subjects fetters, 

The worst of servitudes my life were rescued. 

Cha. You fright me with a Prologue of much trouble. 

King. Me thinkes it might be, tell me out of all 340 
Your famous learning, was there ever subject 
Rais'd by his Soveraignes free hand from the dust, 
Vp to a height above Ayres upper region. 
That might compare with him in any merit 
That so advanc'd him? and not shew in that 
Grosse over-weening worthy cause to thinke 
There might be other over-sights excepted 
Of capitall nature in his sifted greatnesse. 

Chan. And past question Sir, for one absurd thing 
granted, 
A thousand follow. 

f'^' King. You must then employ 35 

Your most exact, and curious art to explore 
A man in place of greatest trust, and charge. 
Whom I suspect to have abus'd them all, 
And in whom you may give such proud veines vent. 
As wfll bewray their boyling bloud corrupted 
Both gainst my crowne and life. 

Cha. And may my life 
Be curst in every act, 
If I explore him not to every finer. ^ 

King. It is my Admirall. 

Cha. Oh my good Leige 
You tempt, not charge me with such search of him. 360 

^ Fibre in Dyce and Shepherd. 



Tr age die of Chabot 65 

King. Doubt not my heartiest meaning, all the troubles 
That ever mov'd in a distracted King, 
Put in just feare of his assaulted life 
And not above my sufferings for Chabot. 

Cha. Then I am glad, and prcJud that 1 can cure you, 
For he's a man that I am studied in, 
And all his offices, and if you please 
To give authoritie. 

King. You shall not want it. 

Cha. If I discharge you not of that disease, 
About your necke growne, by your strange trust in 
him, 370 

With full discovery of the foulest treasons. 

King. But I must have all prov'd with that free justice. 

Cha. Beseech your Majestic doe not que^ion it. 

King. About it instantly, and take me wholly 
Vpon your selfe. 

Cha. How much you grace your servant? 

King. Let it be fiery quicke. 

Cha. It shall have wings. 
And every feather shew the flight of Kings. 



Actus Tertius. 



Enter Chancellor attended, the Proctor generall whispering 
in his eare. Two Judges following. They past. 

Enter Chabot in his gowne, a gaurd about him, his father 
and his wife on each side, Allegre. 

A dm. And have they put my faithfull servant to the 
racke, 
Heaven arme the honest man. 



66 Tragedies of Chapman 

Fa. Allegre feeles the malice of the Chancellor. 

Adm. Many upon the torture have confest 
Things against truth, and yet his paine sits neerer 
Than all my other feares, come don't weepe. 

Wife. My Lord, I doe not grive out of a thought, 
Or poore suspition, they with all their malice 
Can staine your honour, but it troubles me, 
The King should grant this licence to your enemies, lo 
As he were willing to heare Chabot guilty. 

Adm. No more, the King is just, and by exposing me 
To this triall, meanes to render me 
More happy to his subjects, and himself e 
His sacred will be obey'd, take thy owTie spirit, 
And let no thought infringe thy peace for me, 
I goe to have my honours all confirm 'd ; 
Farewell thy lip, my cause has so much innocence, 
It shanot neede thy prayer, I leave her yours 
Till my retume; oh let me be a sonne 20 

Still in your thotights, now Gentlemen set forward. 

Exit. 

Manente Father and Wife. 

Fa. See you that trust in greatnesse, what sustaines 
you, 
These hazards you must looke for, you that thrust 
Your heads into a cloud, wliere lie in ambush 
The souldiers of state in privy armes 
Of yellow fire jealous, and mad at all 
That shoote their foreheads up into their forges, 
And pry into their gloomy Cabbinets; 
You like vaine Citizens that must goe see 
Those ever burning furnaces, wherein 30 

Your brittle glasses of estate are blo^^^le; 
Who knowes not you are all but puffe, and bubble 
Of breath, and fume forg'd, your vile brittle natures 
Cause of your dearenesse? were you tough and lasting, 
You would be cheape, and not worth halfe your face. 



Tragedie of Chabot 67 

Now daughter Plannet strooke. 

Wif. I am considering 
What forme I shall put on, as best agreeing 
With my Lords fortime. 

Fa. Habit doe you meane, 
< f minde or body? 

Wif. Both wod be apparell'd. 

Fa. In neither you have reason yet to mourne. 40 

Wif. He not accuse my heart of so much weakenesse: 
Twere a confession gainst my Lord. The Queene! 

Enter Queene, Constable, Treasurer, Secretary. 

She has exprest 'gainst me some displeasure. 
Fa. Lets this way through the Gallery. 
Qu. Tis she, 
Doe you my Lord say I wod speake with her? 
And has Allegre, one of chiefest trust with him 
Suffered the racke? the Chancellor is violent; 
And whats confest? 

Tre. Nothing, he contemn'd all 
That could with any cruelst paine explore him, 
As if his minde had rob'd his nerves of sence, 50 

And through them diffus'd fiery spirits above 
All flesh and blood: for as his limbs were stretch 'd, 
His contempts too extended. 

Qu. A strange fortitude! 

Tre. But we shall lose th' arraignement. 

Qu. The successe 
Will soone arrive. 

Tre. Youle not appeare, my Lord then? 

Con. I desire 
Your Lordship wod excuse me. 

Tre. We are your servants. Exiunt. Tre. & Sec. 

Con. She attends you Madam. 

Qu. This humblenesse proceedes not from your heart; 
Why, you are a Queene your selfe in your owne thoughts, 
The Admiralls wife of France cannot be lesse, 60 



68 Tragedies of Chapman 

You "have not state enough, you shold not move 
Without a traine of friends and servants, 

Wif. There is some mystery 
Within your language Madam, I woud hope 
You have more charitie than to imagine 
My present condition worth your triumph, 
In which I am not so lost, but I have 
Some friends and servants with proportion 
To my Lords fortime, but none within the list 
Of those that obey mee can be more ready 70 

To expresse their duties, than my heart to serve 
Your just commands. 

Qu. Then pride will ebbe I see. 
There is no constant flood of state, and greatnesse, 
The prodigie is ceasing when your Lord 
Comes to the ballance, hee whose blazing fires. 
Shot wonders through the Kingdome, will discover 
What flying and corrupted matter fed him. 

Wif. My Lord? 

Qu. Your high and mighty Justicer, 
The man of conscience, the Oracle 

Of State, whose honorable titles 80 

Would cracke an Elephants backe, is now tum'd mortall, 
Must passe examination, and the test 
Of Law, have all his offices rip'd up. 
And his corrupt soule laid open to the subjects. 
His bribes, oppressions, and close sinnes that made 
So many grone, and curse him, now shall finde 
Their just reward, and all that love their coimtry, 
Blesse heaven, and the Kings Justice, for removing 
Such a devouring monster. 

Fa. Sir your pardon 
Madam you are the Queene, she is my daughter, 90 

And he that you have character 'd so monstrous, 
My Sonne in Law, now gon to be arraign 'd 
The King is just, and a good man, but't does not 
Adde to the graces of your royall person 
To tread upon a Lady thus dejected 



Tr age die of Chabot 69 

By her owne griefe, her Lord's not yet found guilty, 
Much lesse condemn'd, though you have pleas'd to execute 
him. 

Qu. What sawcy fellow's this? 

Fa. I must confesse 
I am a man out of this ^ element 

No Courtier, yet I am a gentleman 100 

That dare speak honest truth to the Queenes eare, 
(A duty every subject wonot pay you) 
And justifie it to all the world, there's nothing 
Doth m^ore ecclipse the honours of our soule, 
Than an ill groimded, and ill followed passion. 
Let flie with noise, and license against those 
Whose hearts before are bleeding. 

Con. Brave old man. 

Fa. Cause you are a Queene to trample ore a woman, 
Whose tongue and faculties are all tied up. 
Strike out a Lyons teeth, and pare his clawes, no 

And then a dwarf e may plucke him by the beard, 
Tis a gay victory. 

Qu, Did you heare my Lord? 

Fa. I ha done. 

Wif. And it concemes me to beginne, 
I have not made this pause through servile feare 
Or guiltie apprehension of your rage. 
But with just wonder of the heates, and wildnesse 
Has prepossest your nature gainst our innocence. 
You are my Queene, imto that title bowes 
The humblest knee in France, my heart made lower 
With my obedience, and prostrate duty, 120 

Nor have I powers created for my use, 
When just commands of you expect their service; 
But were you Queene of all the world, or something 
To be thought greater, betwixt heaven and us 
That I could reach you with my eyes and voyce, 
I would shoote both up in defence of my 



70 Tragedies of Chapman 

Abused honour, and stand all your lightning. 

Qu. So brave. 

Wif. So just and boldly innocent, 
I cannot feare arm'd with a noble conscience 
The tempest of your frowne, were it more frightfuli 130 
Then every fury made a womans anger, 
Prepar'd to kill with deaths most horrid ceremony, 
Yet with what freedome of my soule I can 
Forgive your accusation of my pride. 

Qu. Forgive? what insolence is like this language? 
Can any action of ours be capable 
Of thy forgivenesse? dust! how I dispise thee? 
Can we sinne to be object of thy mercie? 

Wif. Yes, and have dont already, and no staine, 
To your greatnesse Madam, tis my charity 140 

I can remit, when soveraigne Princes dare 
Doe injury to those that live beneath them, 
They tume worth pitty, and their prayrs, and tis 
In the free power of those whom they oppresse 
To pardon e'm, each soule has a prerogative, 
And priviledge royall that was sign'd by heaven, 
But though ith knowledge of my disposition 
Stranger to pride, and what you charge me w4th, 
I can forgive the injustice done to me, 
And striking at my person, I have no 150 

Commission from my Lord to cleere you for 
The wrongs you have done him ; and stilP he pardon 
The wounding of his loyaltie, with which life 
Can hold no ballance, I must talke just boldnesse 
To say — 

Fa. No more, now I must tell you daughter 
Least you forget your selfe, she is the Queene, 
And it becomes not you to vie with her 
Passion for passion, if your Lord stand fast 
To the full search of Law, Heaven will revenge hmi, 
And give him up precious to good mens loves 160 



' Shepherd reads till. 



Tragedie of Chahot 71 

If you attempt by these unruly wayes 
To vindicate his justice, Ime against you, 
Deere as I wish your husbands life and fame. 
Suffer' are boimd to suffer, not. contest 
With Princes, since their Will and Acts must be 
Accounted one day to a Judge supreme. 

Wif. I ha done, if the devotion to my Lord, 
Or pietie to his innocence have led me 
Beyond the awfull limits to be observ'd 
By one so much beneath your sacred person, 170 

I thus low crave your royall pardon Madam; 
I know you will remember in your goodnesse, 
My life blood is concern 'd while his least veine 
Shall runne blacke and polluted, my heart fed 
With what keepes him alive, nor can there be 
A greater woimd than that which strikes the life 
Of our good name, so much above the bleeding 
Of this rude pile wee carry, as the soule 
Hath excellence above this earth-borne frailty: 
My Lord, by the Kings will is lead already 180 

To a severe arraignement, and to Judges, 
Will make no tender search into his tract 
Of life and state, stay but a little while, 
And France shall eccho to his shame or innocence, 
This suit I begge with teares, I shall have sorrow 
Enough to heare him censur'd foule and monstrous, 
Should you forbeare to antidate my sufferings. 

Qu. Your conscience comes about, and you incline 
To feare he may be worth the lawes condemning. 

Wif. I sooner will suspect the starres may lose 190 
Their way, and cristall heaven retume to Chaos; 
Truth sits not on her square more firme than he ; 
Yet let me tell you Madam, were his life 
And action so foule as you have character'd, 
And the bad world expects, though as a wife 
Twere duty I should weepe my selfe to death, 



* Dyce and Shepherd read Subjects. 



•^2 Tragedies of Chapman 

To know him falne from vertue, yet so much 

I a fraile woman love my King and Country, 

I should condemne him too, and thinke all honours 

The price of his lost faith more fatall to me, 200 

Than Cleopatra's aspes warme in my bosome, 

And as much boast their killing. 

Qu. This declares 
Another soule than was deliver'd me, 
My anger melts, and I beginne to pitty her, 
How much a Princes eare may be abus'd? 
Enjoy your happie confidence, at more leasure 
You may heare from us. 

Wif. Heaven preserve the Queene, 
And may her heart be charitable. 

Fa. You blesse and honour your unworthy servant. 

Qu. My Lord, did you observe this? 

Con. Yes great Madam, 210 

And read a noble spirit, which becomes 
The wife of Chabot, their great tie of marriage 
Is not more strong upon em, than their vertues. 

Qu. That your opinion? I thought your judgement 
Against the Admirall, doe you thinke him honest? 

Con. Religiously, a true, most zealous Patriot, 
And worth all royall favour. 

Qu. You amaze me. 
Can you be just your selfe then, and advance 
Your powers against him? 

Con. Such a will be farre 
From Montmoranzie, Pioners of state 220 

Have left no art to gaine me to their faction, 
And tis my misery to be plac'd in such 
A sphere where I am whirl'd by violence 
Of a fierce raging motion, and not what 
My owne will would encline me, I shall make 
This appeare Madam, if you please to second 
My free speech with the King. 

Qu. Good heaven protect all, 
Haste to the King, Justice her swift wing needes, 



Tragedie of CJiabot 73 

Tis high time to be good, when vertue bleedes. 

Exeunt. 

Enter Officers before the Chancellor, ludges, the Proctor 
generall, whispering with the Chancellor, they take 
their places. 

To them 
Enter Treasurer and Secretary who take their places 
prepared on one side of the Court. 

To them 

The Captaine of the Guard, the Admirall following, 

who is plac'd at the barre. 

Cha. Good Mr. Proctor generall begin. 230 

Pro, It is not tinknowne to you my very good Lords 

the 
ludges, and indeed to all the world, for I will make short 
worke, since your honourable eares neede not to be 

enlarged, 
I speake by a figure with prolixe ennumeration how infi- 

nitly 
the King hath favoured this ill favoured Traitor; and 

yet I 
may worthily too insist and prove that no grace hath 

beene so 
large and voluminous, as this, that he hath appointed 

such up- 
right ludges at this time, and the chief e of this Triumvirie, 
our Chancellor by name Poyet, which deriveth from the 
Greeke his Etymology from Poyeni, which is to make, 

to 240 

create, to invent matter that was never extant in nature, 

from 
whence also is the name and dignitie of Poeta, which I 

will 
not insist upon, in this place, although I am confident his 
Lordshippe wanteth no facultie in making of Verses : but 



74 Tragedies of Chapman 

what addition I say is it to the honour of this Delinquent, 

that 
he hath such a Iiidge, a man so learned, so full of equity, so 
noble, so notable in the progresse of his life, so innocent, in 
the manage of his office so incorrupt, in the passages of 

State 
so wise, in affection to his country so religious, in all his 
services to the King, so fortunate, and exploring, as 

en vie it- 250 

selfe cannot accuse, or malice vitiate, whom all lippes will 
open to commend, but those of Philip; and in their 

hearts will 
erect Altars, and Statues, Columnes, and Obelishes, 

Pillars 
and Pyramids, to the perpetuitie of his name and memory. 
What shall I say? but conclude for his so great and 

sacred ser- 
vice, both to our King and Kingdome, and for their everla- 
sting benefit, there may everlastingly be left here one 

of his 
loynes, one of liis loynes ever remaine I say, and stay 

upon this 
Bench, to be the example of all Justice, even while the 

North 
and South StaiTc shall continue. 260 

Cha. You expresse your Oratci'y Mr. Proctor, 
I pray come presently to the matter. 

Pro. Thus with your Lordships pardon, I proceede, and 
the first thing I shall glance at, will be worth your Lord- 
ships 
reflection, his ingratitude, and to whom? t6 no lesse 

person 
than a King, and to what King, his ovnie, and our gen- 

erall So- 
veraigne Proh deum atque hominum fdem; a King, and 

such a 
King, tlie health, life, and soule of us all, whose very 

mention 



Tragedie of Chahot 75 

drawes this salt water from my eyes ; for hee indeede is our 
eye, who wakes and watches for us when we sleepe, 

and 2 70 

who will not sleepe for him, I meane not sleepe, which the 
Philosophers call, a naturall cessation of the common 
and consequently of all the exterior sences, caused first 
and immediatly by a detension of spirits, which can have 
no communication, since the way is obstructed, by which 
these spirits should commearce, by vapours ascending 

from 
the stomacke to the head, by which evaporation the 

rootes of 
the nerves are filled, through which the annualP spirits, 

to be 
powred into the dwellings of the extemall sences; but 

sleepe 
I take for death, which all know to be Vltima Unea, 

who will 280 

not sleepe eternally for such a King as wee enjoy? If 

there- 
fore in generall as hee is King of us all, all sharing and 

divi- 
ding the benefits of this our Soveraigne, none should be 

so in- 
gratefull as once to murmure against him, what shall be 

said of 
the ingratitude more monstrous in this Chahot, for our 

Francis 
hath loved, not in generall & in the croud with other 

subjects, 
but particularly this Philip advanc'd him to the supreme 

dig- 
nitie of a Statsman, lodg'd him in his very heart, yet 

Monstrum 
horrendum; even to this Francis hath Philip beene 

ingratefull. 



^Animal in Dyce and Shepherd. 



76 Tragedies of Chapman 

Brutus the loved sonne hath stabbed Caesar with a 

Bodkin: 290 

Oh what brute may be compared to him? and in what 

parti- 
culars may this crime be exemplified ; hee hath as wee say, 
chopt Logicke with the King, nay to the very teeth of his 
Soveraigne advance his owne Gnat-like merits, and 

justified 
with Luciferous pride, that his services have deserved 

more 
than all the bounty of our Mimificent King hath paid him. 
Cha. Observe that my Lords. 
Pro. Nay he hath gone further, and most traiterously 

hath 
committed outrage and impiety to the Kings owne 

hand, and 
royall character, which presented to him in a bill from 

the 300 

whole coimsell, hee most violently did teare in peeces, and 
will doe the very body and person of our King, if your 

Justice 
make no timely prevention, and strike out the Ser- 
pentine 
teeth of this high, and more than horrible monster. 
Tr. This was enforced home. 

Pro. In the next place I will relate to your honours his 
most cruell exactions upon the subject, the old vant 

curriers of 
rebellions. In the yeare 1536. and 37. This oppres- 

sour, and 
this extortioner, under pretext of his due taxation, 

being Ad- 
mirall impos'd upon certaine Fishermen, (observe I 

beseech 310 

you the circumstance of their persons, Fishermen) who 

-♦-poore 
lohns were embarqued upon the cost of Normandy, 
and fishing 



Tragedie of Chabot yj 

there for Herrings (which some say is the king of Fishes) 

he 
impos'd I say twenty souse, and upon every boate sixe 

liuers, 
oh intolerable exaction! enough not onely to alienate 

the 
hearts of these miserable people from their King, which 

Ipse 
facto is high treason, but occasion of a greater inconveni- 
ence, for want of due provision of fish among the sub- 
jects, for 
by this might ensue a necessitie of mortall sins, by break- 
ing the 
religious fast upon Vigils, Embers, and other dayes 
comman- 320 

ded by sacred authority, besides the miserable rut, that 

would 
follow, and perhaps contagion, when feasting and flesh 

should 
be licenced for every camall appetite. — I could urge ma- 
ny more particulars of his dangerous insatiate and 

boundlesse 
Avarice, but the improvement of his estate in so few 

yeares, 
from a private Gentlemans fortune, to a great Dukes 

reve- 
newes, might save our soveraigne therein an Orator to en- 
force and prove faulty even to gyantisme against heaven. 
ludg. This is but a noise of words. 
Pro. To the foule outrages so violent, let us adde his 
Com- 330 

missions granted out of his owne presum'd authoritie, his 
Majestic neither inf round or respected his disloyalties; 

infide- 
lities, contempts, oppressions, extortions, with innumer- 
able 
abuses, offences, and forfeits, both to his Majesties most 
royall 



78 Tragedies of Chapman 

person, crowne, and dignitie, yet notwithstanding all 

these 
injustices, this unmatchable, unjust delinquent affecteth 

to be 
thought inculpable, and incomparable just ; but alas my 

most 
learned Lord, none knowes better than your selves, how 

easie 
the sinceritie of Justice is pretended, how hard it is to 

be per- 
formed, and how common it is for him that hath lost 

colour 340 

of title to it, to be thought the very substance and soule 

of it, 
he that was never true scholler in the least degree, longs 

as a 
woman with child to be great with scholler, she that 

was ne- 
ver with child longs Omnibus vijs & modis to be got with 
child, and will weare a cushion to seeme with child, 

and hee 
that was never just, will fly in the Kings face to be 

counted 
just, though for all he be nothing, but just, a Traytor. 
Sec. The Admirall smiles, 
Jud. Answer your selfe my Lord. 
Adm. I shall, and briefely. 
The furious eloquence of my accuser hath 350 

Branch 'd my offences hainous to the King, 
And then his subject, a most vast indictment, 
That to the King I have justified my merit. 
And services; which conscience of that truth, 
That gave my actions life when they are questioned, 
I ought to urge agen, and doe without 
The least part of injustice ; for the Bill 
A foule, and most unjust one, and prefer'd 
Gainst the Kings honour, and his subjects priviledge, 
And with a policie to betray my ofhce, 360 



Tragedie of Chabot 79 

And faith to both, I doe confesse I tore it, 
It being prest immodestly, but without 
A thought of disobedience to his name, 
To whose mention I bow, with humble reverence. 
And dare appeale to the Kings knowledge of me, 
How farre I am in soule from such a rebell. 
For the rest my Lord, and you my honour'd ludges, 
Since all this mountaine all this time in labour 
With more than mortall fury gainst my life, 
Hath brought forth nought but some ridiculous ver- 
mine, 37° 

I will not wrong my right, and innocence. 
With any serious plea in my reply. 
To frustrate breath, and fight with terrible shaddow 
That have beene forg'd, and forc'd against my state, 
But leave all, with my life to your free censures ; 
Onely beseeching all your learned judgements 
Equall and pious conscience to weigh. 

Pro. And how this great and mighty fortune hath 
exalted 
him to pride is apparant, not onely in his braves and 

bearings 
to the King, the fountaine of all this increase, but in his 
con- , 380 

tempt and scorne of the subject his vast expences in buil- 
dings, his private bounties, above royall to souldiers and 
schollers, that he may be the Generall and Patron, and 

prote- 
ctor of armes and arts ; the number of domesticke at- 
tendants, 
an army of Grashoppers and gay Butterflies able to 

devoure 
the Spring; his glorious wardrobes, his stable of horses 

that 
are prick'd with provender, and will enforce us to weede up 
our Vineyards to sow Gates for supply of their provision, 

his 
caroches shining with gold, and more bright than the 



8o Tragedies of Chapman 

chariot 
of the Sunne, wearing out the pavements; nay, he is 

of late so 390 

transcendently proud, that men must be his Mules, 

and carry 
him up and downe as it were in a Procession for men to 

gaze 
at him till their chines crackes with the weight of his 

iQsup- 
portable pride, and who knowes but this may prove a 

fashion ? 
But who grones for this? The subject, who murmure, 

and are 
ready to beginne a rebellion, but the tumultuous say- 

lers, and 
water-rats, who runne up and downe the citie, like an 

over- 
bearing tempest, cursiag the Admirall, who in duty 

ought to 
undoe himself for the generall satisfaction of his country- 
men. 
Adm. The varietie, and wonder now presented 400 
To your most noble notice, and the worlds. 
That all my life and actions, and offices, 
Explor'd with all the hundred eyes of Law 
Lighted with lightning, shot out of the wrath 
Of an incenst, and commanding King, 
And blowne with foes, with farre more bitter windes, 
Then Winter from his Easteme cave exhailes. 
Yet nothing found but what you all have heard. 
And then consider if a peere of State, 
Should be expos 'd to such a wild arraignement 410 

For poore complaints, his fame, faith, life, and honours 
Rackt for no more. 

Cha. No more? good heaven, what say 
My learned assistants. 

I lu. My Lord, the crimes urg'd here for us to censure 
As capitall, and worth this high arraignement 



Tragedie of Chabot 8i 

To me seeme strange, because they doe not fall 
In force of Law, to arraigne a Peere of State, 
For all that Law can take into her power 
To sentence, is the exaction of the Fishermen. 

2 hi. Here is no majesty violated, I consent to what 
my 420 

Brother has exprest. 

Cha. Breake then in wonder. 
My frighted words out of their forming powers, 
That you no more collect, from all these forfeits 
That Mr. Proctor generall hath opened. 
With so apparant, and impulsive learning. 
Against the rage and madnesse of the offender, 
And violate Majestic (my learned assistants) 
When Majesties affronted and defied. 
It being compar'd with? and in such an onset 
As leap'd into his throate? his life affrighting? 430 

Be justified in all insolence, all subjects 
If this be so considered, and insult 
Vpon your priviledg'd malice, is not Majestic 
Poyson'd in this wonder! and no felony set 
Where royaltie is rob'd, and^ 
Fie how it fights with Law, and grates upon 
Her braine and soule, and all the powers of Reason, 
Reporter of the processe, shew the sedule. 

No. Here my good Lord. 

1. No altering it in us. 

2. Farre be it from us Sir. 

Cha. Heres silken lustice, 440 

It might be altered, mend your sentences. 

Both. Not wee my Lord. 

Cha. Not you? The King shall know 
You slight a duty to his will, and safety, 
Give me your pen, it must be capitall. 

I. Make what you please my Lord, our doome shall 
stand. 



^ Dyce inserts violate. 



82 Tragedies of Chapman 

Cha. Thus I subscribe, now at your perills follow. 
Both. Perills my Lord? threates in the Kings free 

justice ? 
Tre. I am amaz'd they can be so remisse. 
Sec. Mercifull men, pitifull Judges certaine. 

1. Subscribe, it matters nothing being constrain'd. 450 
On this side [V], and on this side, this capitall I 

Both which: together put, import plaine Vi; 
And wdtnesse we are forc'd. 

2. Enough, 

It will acquit us when we make it knowne, 
Our names are forc'd. 

Cha. If traiterous pride 
Vpon the royall person of a King 
Were sentenc'd unfelloniously before. 
He bume my Bookes and be a ludge no more. 

Both. Here are our hands subscrib'd. 

Cha. Wliy so, it joyes me. 
You have reform'd your justice and your judgement, 460 
Now have you done like ludges and learned Lawyers, 
The King shall thanke, and honour you for this. 
Notary read. 

No. We by his sacred Majestic appointed 
Judges, upon due triall, and examination 
Of Philip Chabot Admirall of France 
Declare him guiltie of high treasons, &c. 

Cha. Now Captaine of the gaurd, secure his person, 
Till the King signifie 

His pleasure for his death, this day is happy 470 

To France, thus reskued from the vile devourer. 

A shoute within. 
Harke how the votes applaud their blest deliverance, 
Yoii that so late did right and conscience boast. 
Heavens mercy now implore, the Kings is lost. Exeunt. 



Tragedie of Chabot 83 



Actus Quartus. 

Enter King, Queene,' and Constable. 

Kin. You raise my thoughts to wonder, that you 
Madam, 
And you my Lord, unite your force to pleade 
Ith' Admiralls behalfe, this is not that 
Language you did expresse, when the tome Bill 
Was late pretended to us, it was then 
Defiance to our high prerogative. 
The act of him whose proud heart would rebell 
And arm'd with faction, too soone attempt 
To teare my crowne off. 

Qu. I was ignorant 
Then of his worth, and heard but the report 10 

Of his accusers, and his enemies, 

Who never mention in his character 

Shadowes of any vertue in those men. 

They would depresse like Crowes, and carrion birds, 

They flie ore flowrie Meades, cleare Springs, faire Gardens, 

And stoope at carcasses ; for your owne honour 

Pitty poore Chabot. 

King. Poore and a Colossus? 

What could so lately straddle ore a Province, 

Can he be fallen so low, and miserable, 

To want my pitty, who breakes forth like day, 20 

Takes up all peoples eyes, and admiration? 

It cannot be, he hath a princely wife too. 
Qu. I interpose not often Sir, or presse you 

With imbecomming importiinitie, 

To serve the profitable ends of others 

Conscience, and duty to your selfe inforce 

My present mediation, you have given 



84 Tragedies of Chapman 

The health of your owne state away, iinlesse 
Wisedome in time recover him. 

King. If he proove 
No adulterate gold, triall confirmes his value, 30 

Qu. Although it hold in mettle gracious Sir, 
Such fiery examination, and the furnace 
May wast a heart thats faithfull, and together 
With that you call the feces, something of 
The precious substance may be hazarded. 

King. Why, you are the chief e engine rais'd against 
him, 
And in the worlds Creede labour most to sinke him. 
That in his fall, and absence every beame 
May shine on you, and onely guild your fortune. 
Your difference is the groimd of his arraignement, 40 
Nor were we imsollicited by you. 
To have your bill confirm'd, from that that spring 
Came all these mighty and impetuous waves. 
With which he now must wrastle, if the strength 
Of his o"v\Tie innocence can breake the storme. 
Truth wonot lose her servant, her wings cover him, 
He must obey his fate. 

Con. I would not have 
It lie upon my fame, that I should be 
Mentioned in Story his unjust supplanter 
For your whole Kingdome, I have beene abused 50 

And made beleeve my suite was just and necessary, 
My walkes have not beene safe, my closet prayers, 
But some plot has pursued me, by some great ones 
Against your noble Admirall, they have frighted 
My fancy into my dreames with their close whispers, 
How to uncement your affections, 
And render him the fable, and the scome 
Of France. 

Qu. Brave Montmorancie. 

King. Are you serious. 

Con. Have I a soule? or gratitude, to acknowledge 
My selfe your creature, dignified and honor'd 60 



Tragedie of Chabot 85 

By your high favours with an equall truth, 

I must declare the justice of your Admirall 

(In "what my thoughts are conscious) and will rather 

Give up my claime to birth, title, and offices, 

Be throwne from your warme smile, the top and crowne 

Of subjects happinesse, then be brib'd with all 

Their glories to the guilt of Chabots mine. 

King. Come, come, you over act this passion. 
And if it be not polHcie it tasts 

Too greene, and wants some counsell to mature it, 70 
His fall prepares your triumph. 

Con. It confirmes 
My shame alive, and buried will corrupt 
My very dust, make our house-genious grone, 
And fright the honest marble from my ashes: 
His fall prepare my triumph ? tume me first 
A naked exile to the world. 

King. No more. 
Take heede you banish not your selfe, be wise. 
And let not too much zeale devoure your reason. 

Enter As all. 

As. Your Admirall 
Is condemn 'd Sir? 

King. Ha? strange! no matter, 80 

Leave us, a great man I see may be 
As soone dispatch 'd, as a common subject. 

Qu. No mercy then for Chabot. 

Enter Wife and Father. 

Wif. From whence came 
That sound of Chabot? then we are all undone: 
Oh doe not heare the Queene, she is no friend 
To my poore Lord, but made against his life. 
Which hath too many enemies already. 

Con. Poore soule, shee thinkes the Queene is still 
against him, 
Who employeth all her powers to preserve him. 



86 Tragedies of Chapman 

Fa. Say you so my Lord? daughter the Queen's our 
friend. 90 

Wif. Why doe you mocke my sorrow ! can you flatter 
Your owne griefe so, be just, and heare me sir, 
And doe not sacrifice a subjects blood 
To appease a wrathfull Queene, let mercy shine 
Vpon your brow, and heaven will pay it backe 
Vpon your soule, be deafe to all her prayers. 

King. Poore heart, she knowes not what she has 
desir'd. 

Wif. I begge my Chabots life, my sorrowes yet 
Have not destroid my reason. 

King. He is in the power of my Lawes, not mine. 100 

Wif. Then you have no power, 
And are but the emptie shadow of a King, 
To whom is it resign 'd? where shall I begge 
The forfeit life of one condemn 'd by Lawes 
To partiall doome? 

King. You heare he is condemn 'd then.'* 

Fa. My sonne is condemn 'd sir. 

King. You know for what too. 

Fa. What the Judges please to call it. 
But they have given't a name. Treason they say. 

Qu. I must not be denied. 

King. I must deny you. no 

Wif. Be blest for ever fort. 

Qu. Grant then to her. 

King. Chabot condemn 'd by law? 

Fa. But you have power 
To change the rigor, in your breast there is 
A Chancellor above it, I nere had 
A suite before, but my knees joyne with hers 
To implore your royall mercy to her Lord, 
And take his cause to your examination. 
It cannot wrong your Judges, if they have 
Beene steer 'd by conscience. 

Con. It will fame your lustice. 

King. I cannot be prescrib'd, you kneele in vaine, 120 



Tragedie of Chabot 87 

You labour to betray me with your teares 

To a treason above his, gainst my owne Lawes, 

Looke to the Lady — Exeunt. 

Enter A-sall. 

As. Sir the Chancellor. 

King. Admit him, leave us all. 

Enter Chancellor. 

How now my Lord? 

You have lost no time, and how thrive the proceedings. 
Cha. Twas fit my gracious Soveraigne, time should 
leave 
His motion made in all affaires beside, 
And spend his wings onely in speed of this. 

King. You have shew'd diligence, and whats become 
Of our most curious lusticer, the Admirall? 130 

Cha. Condemn 'd sir utterly, and all hands set 
To his conviction. 

King. And for faults most foule? 

Cha. More than most impious, but the applausive issue 
Strooke by the concourse of your ravish 'd subjects 
For joy of your free Justice, if there were 
No other cause to assure the sentence just 
Were proofe convincing. 

King. Now then he sees cleerely 
That men perceive how vaine his Justice was, 
And scorne him for the foolish net he wore 
To hide his nakednesse; ist not a w^onder 140 

That mens ambitions should so blinde their reason 
To affect shapes of honesty, and take pride 
Rather in seeming, then in being just. 

Cha. Seeming has better fortune to attend it 
Then being sound at heart, and vertuous. 

King. Prof esse all? nothing doe, like those that live 
By looking to the Lamps of holy Temples, 
Who still are busie taking off their snuffes, 
But for their profit sake will adde no oyle; 



88 Tragedies of Chapman 

So these will checke and sentence every fame, 150 

The blaze of riotous blood doth cast in others, 
And in themselves leave the fume most offensive, 
But he to doe this? more deceives my judgement 
Than all the rest whose nature I have sounded. 

Cha. I know Sir, and have prov'd it. 

King. Well my Lord 
To omit circumstance, I highly thanke you 
For this late service you have done me here, 
Which is so great and meritorious 
That with my ablest power I scarce can quit you. 

Cha. Your sole acceptance (my dread soveraigne) 160 
I more re Joyce in, than in all the fortunes 
That ever chanc'd me, but when may it please 
Your Highnesse to order the execution? 
The haste thus farre hath spar'd no pinions. 

King. No my Lord, your care 
Hath therein much deserv'd. 

Cha. But v/here proportion 
Is kept to th' end in things, at start so happy 
That end set on the crowne. 

King. He speede it therefore. 

Cha. Your thoughts direct it, they are wing'd. Exit. 

King. I joy this boldnesse is condemn 'd, that I may 
pardon, 170 

And therein get some ground in his opinion 
By so much bounty as saves his life. 
And me thinks that weigh 'd more, should sway the bal- 

lance 
Twixt me and him, held by his owne free Justice, 
For I could never finde him obstinate 
In any minde he held, when once he saw 
Th' error with which he laboured, and since now 
He needs must feele it, I admit no doubt, 
But that his alteration will beget 
Another sence of things twixt him and me ; 
Whose there? 180 



Tragedie of Chabot 89 



Enter Asall. 



Goe to the Captaine of my guard, and will him 
To attend his condemn 'd prisoner to me instantly. 

As. I shall sir. 

Enter Treasurer & Secretary. 

King. My Lords, you were spectators of our Admirall. 

Tre. And hearers too of his most just conviction, 
In which we witnest over-v/eight enough 
In your great bounties, and as they there were weigh 'd 
With all the feathers of his boasted merits. 

King. Has felt a scorching triall, and the test 
(That holds fires utmost force) we must give mettalls 190 
That will not with the hammer, and the melting 
Confesse their truth, and this same sence of feeling 
(Being ground to all the sences) hath one key 
More than the rest to let in through them all 
The mindes true apprehension, that thence takes 
Her first convey'd intelligence. I long 
To see this man of confidence agen : 
How thinke you Lords, will Chabot looke on mee, 
Now spoild of the integrity, he boasted? 

Sec. It were too much honour to vouchsafe your 
sight. 200 

Tr. No doubt my Leigh,' but he that hath offended 
In such a height against your crowne and person. 
Will want no impudence to looke upon you. 

Enter Asall, Captaine, Admirall. 

Cap. Sir, I had charge given me by this Gentleman 
To bring your condemn 'd prisoner to your presence. 

King. You have done well, and tell the Queene, and our 
Lord Constable we desire their presence, bid 
Our Admiralls Lady, and her father too 
Attend us here, they are but new withdrawne. 

As. I shall sir! 



' Liege in Dyce and Shepherd 



90 Tragedies of Chapman 

Tre. Doe you observe this confidence? 210 

He stands as all his triall were a dreame. 

Sec. Hele finde the horrour waking, the King's 
troubled ; 
Now for a thunder-clap : the Queene and Constable. 

Enter Queene, Constable, Wife and Father. 

Tr. I doe not like their mixture. 

King, My Lord Admirall, 
You made it your desire to have this triall 
That late hath past upon you; 
And now you feele how vaine is too much faith 
And flattery of your selfe, as if your brest 
Were proof e gainst all invasion, tis so slight 
You see it lets in death, whats past, hath beene 220 
To satisfie your insolence, there remaines 
That now we serve our owne free pleasure, therefore 
By that most absolute power, with which all right 
Puts in my hands, these issues tumes, and changes, 
I here in eare of all these, pardon all 
Your faults and forfeits, whatsoever sensur'd, 
Againe advancing, and establishing 
Your person in all fulnesse of that state 
That ever you enjoy'd before th' attainder. 

Tre. Wonderfull, pardon'd! 

Wif. Heaven preserve the King. 230 

Qu. Who for this will deserve all time to honour him. 

Con. And live Kings best example. 

Fa. Sonne yare pardon'd. 
Be sure you looke hereafter well about you. 

Adm. Vouchsafe great Sir to assure me what you said, 
You nam'd my pardon. 

King. And agen declare it. 
For all crimes past, of what nature soever. 

Adm. You, cannot pardon me Sir. 

King. How's that Philip? 

Adm. It is a word carries too much relation 
To an offence, of which I am not guilty. 



Tragedic of Chabot 91 

And I must still be bold where truth still armes, 240 
In spight of all those ivovmes that would deject me 
To say I neede no pardon. 
King. Ha, howes this? 

Fa. Hees mad with over-joy, and answers nonsence. 
King. Why, tell me Chabot; are not you condemn'd? 
Adm. Yes, and that justifies me much the more, 
For whatsoever false report hath brought you, 
I was condemn'd for nothing that could reach 
To prejudice my Hfe, my goods or honour, 
As first in firmenesse of my conscience, 
I confidently told you, not alas 250 

Presuming on your slender thred of favour, 
Or pride of fortunate and courtly boldnesse, 
But what my faith and justice bade me trust too, 
For none of all your learned assistant Judges, 
With all the malice of my crimes could urge. 
Or felony or hurt of sacred power. 

King. Doe any heare this, but my selfe? My Lords, 
This man still justifies his innocence. 
What prodigies are these? have not our Lawes 
Past on his actions, have not equall ludges 260 

Certified his arraignement, and him guilty 
Of capitall Treason? and yet doe I heare 
Chabot accuse all these, and quit himself e. 
Tr. It does appeare distraction sir. 
King. Did we 
Seeme so indulgent to propose our free 
And royall pardon without suite or prayer, 
To meete with his contempt? 
Sec. Vnhear'd of impudence! 
Ad. I were malicious to my selfe, and desperate 
To force untruths upon my soule, and when 
Tis cleare, to confesse a shame to exercise 270 

Your pardon sir, were I so foule and monstrous 
As I am given to you, you would commit 
A sinne next mine, by wronging your owne mercy 
To let me draw out impious breath, it will 



92 Tragedies of Chapman 

Release your wonder, if you give command 
To see your processe, and if it prove other 
Than I presume to informe, teare me in peeces. 

King. Goe for the Processe, and the Chancellor, 
With the assistant ludges. I thanke heaven Exit As. 
That with all these inforcements of distraction 280 

My reason stayes so cleare to heare, and answer, 
And to direct a message. This inversion 
Of all the loyalties, and true deserts 
That I beleev'd I govem'd with, till now 
In my choice Lawyers, and chief e Counsellors 
Is able to shake all my frame of reason. 

Adm. I am much griv'd. 

King. No more, I doe incline 
To thinke I am abus'd, my Lawes betrai'd 
And wrested to the purpose of my Judges, 
This confidence in Chabot tumes my judgement, 200 

This was too wilde a way to make his merits 
Stoope and acknowledge my superior bounties, 
That it doth raise, and fixe e'm past my art, 
To shadow all the shame and forfeits mine. 

Enter Asall, Chancellor, ludges. 

As. The Chancellor and Judges Sir. 

Tre. I like not 
This passion in the King, the Queene and Constable 
Are of that side. 

King. My Lord, you dare appeare then? 

Cha. Dare Sir, I hope. 

King. Vv^ell done, hope still, and tell me. 
Is not this man condemn 'd? 

Cha. Strange question Sir, 
The processe will declare it, sign'd with all 300 

These my assistant brothers reverend hands 
To his conviction in a publike triall. 

King. You saide for foule and monstrous facts prov'd 
by him. 

Cha. The very words are there sir. 



Tragedie of Chabot 93 

King. But the deedes 
I looke for sir, name me but one thats monstrous? 

Cha. His foule comparisons, and affronts of you, 
To me seem'd monstrous. 

King. I told you them sir, ^ 
Nor were they any that your so vast knowledge. 
Being a man studied in him, could produce 
And prove as cleare as heaven, you warranted 310 

To make appeare such treasons in the Admiral!, 
As never all Lawes, Volumes yet had sentenc'd, 
And France should looke on, having scap'd with wonder 
What in this nature hath beene cleerely prov'd 
In his arraignement. 

1. Nothing that we heard 

In slendrest touch urg'd by your Advocate. 
King. Dare you affirme this too? 

2. Most confidently. 

Kingj No base corruptions charg'd upon him. 

I. None sir. 

Tr. This argues Chabot has corrupted him. 

Sec. I doe not like this. 

I. The summe of all 320 

Was urg'd to prove your Admirall corrupt, 
Was an exaction of his officers, 
Of twenty souse taken from the Fishermen 
For every boate, and that fish'd the Normand coast. 

King. And this was all 
The mountaines, and the marvells promist me, 
To be in cleere proofe made against the life 
Of our so hated Admirall. 

lud. All sir, 
Vpon our lives and consciences. 

Cha. I am blasted. 

King. How durst you then subscribe to his convic- 
tion. 330 

I, For threats by my Lord Chancellor on the Bench, 
Affirming that your Majestic would have it 
Made capitall treason, or account us traitors. 



94 Tragedies of Chapman 

2. Yet sir. we did put to our names \\-ith this 
Interposition of a note in secret 
In these two letters W and /. to shew 
Wee were enforc'd to what we did. which then 
In Law is nothing. 

Fli. How doe you feele your Lordship. 
Did you not finde some stuthng in your liead. 
Your braine should have been purg'd. 

Cha. I fall to peeces. 340 

"Would they liad rotted on th.e Bench. 

King. And so you sav'd the peace of that high Court. 
\Miich othen\'ise his impious rage had broken, 
But thus am I by his malicious arts 
A parly ^ rendred. and niost t\T:innous spurre 
To all the open course of his base en^4es, 
A forcer of niy ludges. and a thirst 
Of my nobilities blood, and all by one, 
I trusted to make cleere my lo\'e of lustice. 

CJij. I beseech your ^Lijestie. let all my zeale 350 
To serve your vertues, witli a sacred value 
^lade of 3'our royall state, to which each least 
But shade of violence ui any subject 
Doth provoke certaine deatli. 

King. Death on thy name 
And memory forever, one command 
Our Advocate attend us presently. 

As. He waites here. 

Ki)!g. But single death shall not excuse, thy skinne 
Tome ore thine eares, and what else can be inflicted 
If thy life "u-ith the same severity 360 

Dissected cannot stand so many fires. 
■5t\". Trc. Be mercifull great Sir. 

Ki)ig. Yet more amaze? 
Is there a knee in all the world beside 
That any humane conscience can let bow 
For him, yare traitors all that pitty him. 



^ Party in Dyce and Shepherd. 



Tragedie of Chabot 95 

Tr. This is no time to move. 
King. Yet twas my fault 
To trust this wretch, whom I knew fierce and proud 
With formes of tongue and learning, what a prisoner 
Is pride of the whole flood of man? for as 
A humane seede is said to be "a mixture 370 

And faire contemperature extracted from 
All out best faculties, so the seede of all 
Mans sensuall frailty, may be said to abide. 
And have their confluence in onely pride, 
It stupifies mans reason so, and dulls 
True sence of anything, but what may fall 
In his owne glory, quenches all the spirits 
That light a man to honour and true goodnesse. 

As. Your Advocate. Enter Advocate. 

King. Come hither. 

Adv. My most gracious Soveraigne. 380 

Adm. Madam you infinitely oblige our duty. 

Qu. I was too long ignorant of your worth my Lord, 
And this sweete Ladies vertue. 

Wif. Both your servants. 

Adm. I never had a feare of the Kings lustice, 
And yet I know not what creepes ore my heart, 
And leaves an ice beneath it, my Lord Chancellor, 
You have my forgivenesse, but implore heavens pardon 
For wrongs to equall justice, you shall want 
No charitie of mine to mediate 
To the King for you. 

Cha. Horrour of my soule 39° 

Confounds my gratitude. 

Con. To me now most welcome. 

Adv. It was my allegiance sir, I did enforce. 
But by directions of your Chancellor, 
It was my office to advance your cause 
Gainst all the world, which when I leave to execute, 
Flea me, and turne me out a most raw Advocate. 

King. You see my Chancellor. 

Adv. He has an ill looke with him. 



96 Tragedies of Chapman 

King. It shall be your province now, on our behalfe 
To urge what can in justice be against him, 
His riot on our Lawes, and con-upt actions 400 

Will give you scope and field enough. 

Adv. And I 
Wil play my law prize, never feare it sir, 
He shall be guilty of what you please, I am studied 
In him sir, I will squeeze his villanies, 
And urge his acts so whom into his bowells, 
The force of it shall make him hang himself e, 
And save the Lawes a labour. 

King. ludges, for all 
The poisonous outrage, that this viper spilt 
On all my royall freedome and my Empire, 
As making all but servants to his malice, 410 

I will have you revise the late arraignement, 
And for those worthy reasons, that already 
Affect you for my Admiralls acquitall 
Employ your justice on this Chancellor, away with him, 
Arrest him Captaine of my guard to answer 
All that due course of Law against him can 
Charge both his Acts and life. 

Cap. I doe arrest thee 
Poyet Lord Chancellor in his Highnesse name, 
To answer all that equall course of Law 
Can charge thy acts and life with. 

Cha. I Obey. 420 

King. How false a heart corruption has, how base 
Without true worth are all these earth-bred glories? 
Oh blessed justice, by which all things stand, 
That stills the thunder, and makes lightning sinke 
Twixt earth and heaven amaz'd, and cannot strike, 
Being prov'd so now in wonder of this man, 
The object of mens hate, and heavens bright love; 
And as in cloudy dayes, we see the Sunne 
Glide over turrets, temples, richest fields, 
All those left darke, and slighted in his way, 430 

And on the wretched plight of some poore shed. 



Tr age die of Chabot 97 

Powres all the glories of his golden head; 
So heavenly vertue, on this envied Lord, 
Points all his graces, that I may distinguish 
Him better from the world, 

Tre. You doe him right. 

King. But away Judges, and pursue the arraignement 
Of this polluted Chancellor with that swiftnesse, 
His fury wing'd against my Admirall, 
And be you all, that sate on him compurgators 
Of me against this false ludge. 

lud. We are so. 440 

King. Be you two joyn'd in the commission. 
And nothing urg'd but justly, of me learning 
This one more lesson out of the events 
Of these affaires now past, that whatsoever 
Charge or Commission Judges have from us, 
They ever make their ayme ingenuous lustice, 
Not partiall for reward, or swelling favour. 
To which if your King steere you, spare to obey ; 
For when his troubled blood is cleere, and calme, 
He will repent that he pursued his rage, 450 

Before his pious Law, and hold that ludge 
Vnworthy of his place, that lets his censure 
Flote in the waves of an imagin'd favour. 
This shipwTacks in the haven, and but wounds 
Their consciences that sooth the soone ebb'd humours 
Of their incensed King. 

Con. Tre. Royall and sacred. 

King. Come Philip, shine thy honour now forever. 
For this short temporall ecclipse it suffer 'd 
By th' interpos'd desire I had to try thee. 
Nor let the thought of w^hat is past afflict thee, 460 

For my unkindnesse, live still circled here, 
The bright intelligence of our royall spheere. Exeunt. 



98 Tragedies of Chapman 



Actus Quintus. 
Enter Queene, Constable, Father. 

Qu. The Admirall sicke? 

Fa. With danger at the heart, 
I came to tell the King. 

Con. He never had 
More reason in his soule, to entertaine 
All the delights of health. 

Fa. I feare my Lord, 
Some apprehension of the Kings unkindnesse, 
By giving up his person, and his offices 
To the Lawes gripe and search, is ground of his 
Sad change, the greatest soules are thus oft wounded, 
If he vouchsafe his presence, it may quicken 
His fast decaying spirits, and prevent 10 

The hasty ebbe of life. 

Qu. The King is now 
Fraught with the joy of his fresh preservation, 
The newes so violent, let into his eare. 
May have some dangerous effect in him, 
I wod not counsell sir to that. 

Fa. With greater reason 
I may suspect they'le spread my Lord, and as 
A river left his curl'd and impetuous waves 
Over the bankes, by confluence of streames 
That fill and swell her channell, for by this time 20 

He has the addition of Allegres suffering, 
His honest servant, whom I met though feeble 
And wome with torture, going to congratulate 
His Masters safetie. 

Qu. It seemes he much 
Affected that Allegre. 



Tragedie of Chabot 99 

Con. There will be 
But a sad interview and dialogue. 

Qu. Does he keepe his bed? 

Fa. In that alone 
He shewes a fortitude, he will move, and walke 
He sayes while his owne strength or others can 
Support him, wishing he might stand and looke 30 

His destiny in the face at the last summon, 
Not sluggishly exhaile his soule in bed. 
With indulgence, and nice flattery of his limbs. 

Qu. Can he in this shew spirit, and want fore" 
To wrastle with a thought? 

Fa. Oh Madam, Madam, 
We may have proof e against the sword, and tyranny 
Of boysterous warre that threatens us, but when 
Kings froune, a Cannon moimted in each eye, 
Shoote death to apprehension, ere their fire 
And force approach us. 

Enter King. 

Con. Here's the King. 

Qu. No words 
To interrupt his quiet. 4° 

Fa. He begon then. 

King. Our Admiralls father! call him backe. 

Qu. I wonot stay to heare e'm. Exit. 

Con. Sir, be prudent. 
And doe not for your sonne fright the Kings health. Exit. 

King. What, ha they left us? how does my Admirall? 

Fa. I am forbid to tell you sir. 

King. By whom. 

Fa. The Queene and my Lord Constable 

King. Are there 
Remaining seedes of faction? have they soules 
Not yet convinc'd ith truth of Chabots honour, 
Cleare as the christall heaven, and bove the reach 50 
Of imitation. 

Fa. Tis their care of you, 



100 Tragedies of Chapman 

And no thought prejudicial! to my sonne. 

King. Their care of me? 
How can the knowledge of my Admiralls state 
Conceme their feares of me, I see their en vie 
Of Chabots happinesse, whose joy to be 
Rendr'd so pure and genuine to the world 
Doth grate upon their conscience and affright 'em; 
But let 'em vexe, and bid my Chabot still 
Exalt his heart, and triumph, he shall have 60 

The accesse of ours, the kingdome shall put on 
Such joyes for him as she would bost to celebrate 
Her owne escape from mine. 

Fa. He is not in state to heare my sad newes 
I perceive. 

King. That countenance is not right, it does not answer 
What I expect. 
Say, how is my Admirall? 
The truth upon thy life. 

Fa. To secure his, I would you had. 

King Ha? Who durst oppose him? 70 

Fa. One that hath power enough hath practised on him 
And made his great heart stoope. 

King. I will revenge it 
^With crushing, crushing that rebellious power to nothing, 
Name him. 

Fa. He was his friend. 

King. A friend to malice, his o^'VTie blacke impostume 
Bume his blood up, what mischief e hath mgendred 
New stormes? 

Fa. Tis the old tempest. 

King. Did not we 
Appease all horrors that look'd wilde upon him? 

Fa. You drest his wounds I must confesse, but made 
No cure, they bleede a fresh, pardon me sir, 80 

Although your conscience have clos'd too soone, 
He is in danger, and doth want new surgerie 

^Crushing, crushing. The repetition is a printer's error. 



Tragedie of Chabot loi 

Though he be right in fame, and your opinion, 
He thinkes you v.ere unkinde. 

King. Alas, poore Chabot, 
Doth that afflict him. 

Fa. So much, though he strive 
With most resolv'd and Adamantine nerves, 
As ever humane fire in flesh and blood, 
Forg'd for example, to beare all, so killing 
The arrowes that you shot were (still your pardon) 
No Centaures blood could rancle so. 

King. If this 90 

Be all, ile cure him. Kings retaine 
More Balsome in their soule then hurt in anger. 

Fa. Farre short sir, with one breath they imcreate, 
And Kings with onely words more wounds can make 
Then all their kingdome made in balme can heale, 
Tis dangerous to play to wilde a descant 
On numerous vertue, though it become Princes 
To assure their adventures made in everything, 
Goodnesse confin'd within poore flesh and blood, 
Hath but a queazie and still sickly state, 100 

A musicall hand should onely play on her 
Fluent as ayre, yet every touch command. 

King. No more, 
Commend us to the Admirall, and say. 
The King will visite him, and bring health. 

Fa. I will not doubt that blessing, and shall move 
Nimbly with this command. Exeunt. 

Enter Officers before, Treasurer, Secretary, and ludges, 
attended by Petitioners, the Advocate also with many 
papers in his hand, they take their places. 
The Chancellor with a guard, and plac'd at the Barre. 

Tre. Did you beleeve the Chancellor had beene 
So foule? 

Sec. Hee's lost to th' people, what contempts 
They throw upon him? but we must be wise. 



I02 Tragedies of Chapman 

1 lud. Were there no other guilt, his malice shew'd no 
Vpon the Admirall, in orebearing justice, 

Would well deserve a sentence. 
Tre. And a deepe one. 

2 lud. If please your Lordships to remember that 
Was specially commended by the King, 

As being most blemish to his royall person, 
And the free justice of his state. 

Tre. Already 
He has confest upon his examinations 
Enough for sensure, yet to obey forme — 
Mr. Advocate if you please— 

Adv. I am ready for your Lordships: It hath beene 

said, 1 20 

and will be said agen, and may truely be justified. Omnia 

ex 
lite fieri. It was the position of Philosophers, and now 

proved 
by a more Philosophycall sect, the Lawyers, that Omnia ex 
lite fiant, we are all made by Law, made I say, and 

worthily 
if we be just, if we be unjust, marr'd, though in marring 

some, 
there is necessitie of making others, for if one fall by the 

Law, 
tenne to one but another is exalted by the execution of the 
Law, since the corruption of one must conclude the 

genera- 
tion of another, though not alwayes in the same profes- 
sion ; 
the corruption of an Apothecary, may be the generation 

of a 130 

Doctor of Physicke; the corruption of a Citizen may 

beget a 
Courtier, & a Courtier may very well beget an Alderman, 

the 
corruption of an Alderman may be the generation of a 

Coun- 



Tr age die of Chabot 103 

try lustice, whose corrupt ignorance easily may beget 

a tumult, 
a tumult may beget a Captaine, and the corruption of 

a Cap- 
taine may beget a Gentleman- Vsher, and a Gentleman- 

Vsher 
may beget a Lord, whose wit may beget a Poet, and a 

poet 
may get a thousand pound a yeare, but nothing without 

cor- 
ruption. 

Tre. Good Mr. Advocate be pleased to leave all digressi- 
ons, and speake of the Chancellor. 140 
Adv. Your Lordship doth very seasonably premonish, 

and 
I shall not neede to leave my subject corruption, while 

I dis- 
course of him, who is the very fenne and stigian abisse of it, 
five thousand and odde hundred foule and impious 

corrupti- 
ons, for I will be briefe; have been found by severall 

exami- 
nations, and by oathes prov'd against this odious and 

polluted 
Chancelor, a man of so tainted, and contagious a life, 

that it is 
a miracle any man enjoyeth his nostrills, that have 

lived with- 
in the sent of his offices ; he was borne with teeth in his 

head, 
by an affidavit of his Midwife, to note his devouring, 

and 150 

hath one toe on his left foote crooked, and in the forme 

of an 
Eagles talon, to foretell his rapacitie: What shall I say? 
branded, mark'd, and design 'd in his birth for shame 

and oblo- 
quie, which appeareth further by a mole under his right 



I04 Tragedies of Chapman 

eare, 
with only tliree Witches haires int, strange and ominous 

pre- 
dictions of nature. 

: Tre. You have acquainted your selfe but very lately 
With this intelligence, for as I remember 
Your tongue was guilty of no such character, 
When hee sat ludge upon the Admirall, i6o 

A' pious incorrupt man, a faithfull and forttmate 
Servant to his King, and one of the greatest 
Honours that ever the Admirall received, was 
That he had so noble and just a ludge, this must 
Imply a strange volubilitie in your tongue, or 
Conscience, I speake not to discountenance any 
Evidence for the King, but to put you in minde, 
Mr. Advocate that you had then a better opinion 
Of my Lord Chancellor. 

Adv. Your Lordship hath most aptly interpos'd, and 

with a 170 

word I shall easily satisfie all your judgements ; He was 

then 
a Judge, and in Cathedra, in which he could not erre; it 

may 
be your Lordships cases, out of the chaire and seate of 

Justice, 
he hath his frailties, is loos'ed and expos'd to the con- 
ditions of 
other humane natures; so every ludge, your Lordships 

are not 
ignorant, hath a kinde of priviledge while he is in his 

state, 
office and being, and although hee may quoad se, internally 
and privately be guilty of bribery of Justice, yet quoad 

nos, and 
in publike he is an upright and innocent ludge, w^e are 

to take 
no notice, nay, we deserved to suffer, if wee should detect 

or 180 



Tragedie of Chabot 105 

staine him; for in that we disparage the Office, which 

is the 
Kings, and may be our owne, but once remov'd from his 
place by just dishonour of the King, he is no more a 

ludge but 
a common person, whom the law takes hold on, and 

wee are 
then to forget what hee hath beene, and without par- 

tialitie to 
strip and lay him open to the world, a counterfeit and cor- 
rupt ludge, as for example, hee may and ought to flourish 

in 
his greatnesse, and breake any mans necke, with as much 

faci- 
litie as a jeast, but the case being altered, and hee downe, 

eve- 
ry subject shall be heard, a Wolfe may be appareld in a 

Lamb- 1 90 

skinne; and if every man should be afraid to speake 

truth, nay 
and more than truth, if the good of the subject which 

are cli- 
ents sometime require it, there would be no remove of Offi- 
cers, if no remove no motions, if no motion in Court no 

heate, 
and by consequence but cold Termes; take away this 

moving, 
this removing of Judges, the Law may bury it selfe in 

Buck- 
ram, and the kingdome suffer for want of a due execution ; 
and now I hope your Lordships are satisfied. 

Tre. Most learnedly concluded to acquit your selfe. 
I lud. Mr. Advocate, please you to urge for satis- 
faction 200 
Of the world, and clearing the Kings honour, how 
Injustly he proceeded against the Admirall. 

Adv. I shall obey your Lordship — So vast, so infi- 
nite hath beene the impudence of this Chancellor, not 



io6 Tragedies of Chapman 

onely 
toward the subject, but even the sacred person of the 

King, 
that I tremble as with a Palsie to remember it. This 

man, or 
rather this monster, having power and commission 

trusted for 
the examination of the Lord Admirall, a man perfect 

in all ho- 
nour and justice ; indeede the very ornament and second 
flower of France, for the Flower de lis, is sacred and above 

all 2IO 

flowers, and indeede the best flower in our garden. 

Having 
used all wayes to circumvent his innocence by suborning 

and 
promising rewards to all his betrayers, by compelling 

others by 
the cruelty of tortures, as namely Mounsieur Allegre 

a most ho- 
nest and faithfull servant to his Lord, tearing and extend- 
ing his 
sinewes upon the racke to force a confession to his purpose, 
and finding nothing prevaile upon the invincible vertue 

of the 
Admirall. 

Sec. How he would flatter him? 

Adv. Yet most maliciously proceeded to arraigne 

him ; to 
be short against all colour of Justice condemn 'd him 

of high 220 

treasons; oh thinke what the life of man is, that can 

never be 
recompenced; but the life of the just man, a man that 

is the vi- 
gour and glory of our life and nation to be tome to 

death, and 
sacrifis'd beyond the mallice of common persecution. 



Tragedie of Chabot 107 

What 
Tiger of Hercanian breede could have beene so cruell? 

but this 
is not all? he was not guilty onely of murder, guilty I 

may say 
In foro conscientae, though our good Admirall was 

miraculously 
preserv'd, but unto this he added a most prodigious & 

fearefuU 
rape, a rape even upon Justice it selfe ; the very soule of 

our state, 
for the rest of the ludges upon the Bench, venrable 

images of 230 

Austria,^ he most tyranously compel'd to set their hands 

to his 
most unjust sentence; did ever story remember the 

like outrage 
and injustice ; what forfeit, what penalty can be enough 

to 
satisfie this transcendent offence? and yet my good 

Lords, 
this is but veniall to the sacrilege which now followes, and 
by him committed, not content with this sentence, not 

satisfied 
with horrid violence upon the sacred Tribunall, but 

hee pro- 
ceedes and blasphemes the very name and honour of 

the King 
himselfe, observe that, making him the author and im- 
pulsive 
cause of all these rapines, justifying that he mov'd onely 

by his 240 

speciall command to the death, nay the murder of his 

most 
faithfull subject, translating all his owne blacke and 

damnable 



^ Astraea as in Dyce and Shepherd. 



io8 Tragedies of Chapman 

guilt^ upon the Kings heires, a'^traytor to his Country, 

first, he 
conspires the death of one whom the King loves, and 

whom e- 
very subject ought to honour, and then makes it no 

conscience 
to proclaime it the Kings act & by consequence declares 

him a 
murderer of his o"wne, and of his best subjects. 

Within. An Advocate, an Advocate, teare him in 
peeces, 
Teare the Chancellor in peeces. 

Tre. The people have deepe sence of the Chancellors 
injustice. 250 

Sec. We must be carefull to prevent their mutiny. 

I hid. It will become our wisedomes to secure the court 
And prisoner. 

Tre. Captaine of the guard. 

2. What can you say for your selfe Lord Chancellor. 

Cha. Againe, I confesse all, and humbly fly to 
The royall mercy of the King. 

Tre. And this submission is the w^ay to purchase it. 

Cha. Heare me great Judges, if you have not lost 
For my sake all your charities, I beseech you. 
Let the King know my heart is full of penitence, 260 
Calme his high-going sea, or in that tempest 
I mine to eteniitie, oh my Lords, 
Consider your owne places, and the helmes 
You sit at, while w4th all your providence 
You steere, looke forth and see devouring quicksands, 
My ambition now is punish'd, and my pride 
Of state and greatnesse falling into nothing, 
I that had never time through vast employments 
To thinke of heaven, feele his revengefull wrath, 
Boyling my blood, and scorching up my entrills, 270 



Dyce emends ''upon the King. Here's a traitor to his Country f 



Tragedie of Chabot 109 

^There doomesday is my conscience blacke and horrid, 

For my abuse of Justice, but no stings 

Prickt^ with that terrour as the wounds I made 

Vpon the pious Admirall, some good man 

Beare my repentance thither, he is merciful!. 

And may encline the King to' stay his lightning 

Which threatens my confusion, that my free 

Resigne of title, office, and what else 

My pride look'd at, would buy my poore lives safety, 

For ever banish me the court, and let 280 

Me waste my life farre off in some Village. 

Adv. How? Did your Lordships note his request to you, 
he would direct your sentence to punish him with confining 
him to live in the country, like the Mouse in the Fable, 

that 
having offended to deserve death, beg'd he might be 

banished 
into a Parmisan. I hope your Lordships will be more 
just to 
the nature of his offences. 

Sec. I could have wish'd him fall on softer ground 
For his good parts. 

Tre. My Lord, this is your sentence for your high 

misde- 290 

meanours against his Majesties ludges, for your unjust 

sentence 
of the most equall Lord Admirall, for many and foule 

corrup- 
tions and abuse of your office, and that infinite staine of 

the 
Kings person, and honour, we in his Majesties name, 

deprive 
you of your estate of Chancellor: & declare you un- 
cap cable of 
any judicial! office, & besides condemne you in the sum 

of two 



* Dyce emends there's doomesday in my conscience — 
''Prick. 



no Tragedies of Chapman 

hundred thousand crownes; whereof one hundred thou- 
sand to 

the King, and one hundred thousand to the Lord Admirall, 

and what remaineth of your estate to goe to the resti- 
tution of 

those you have injur'd, and to suffer perpetuall im- 
prisonment 300 

in the Castle, so take him to your custody. Your Lord- 
ships 

have beene mercifull in his sentence. Ex-it. 

Cha. They have spar'd my life then, that some cure 

may bring, 

^I spend it in my prayers for the King. Exeunt. 

Enter Admirall in his Gowne and Cap, his Wife. 

Adm. Allegre I am glad he hath so much strength, 
I prethee let me see him. 

Wif. It will but 
Enlarge a passion — my Lord hee'le come 
Another time and tender you his service. 

Adm. Nay then — 

Wif. Although I like it not, I must obey. Exit. 

Enter Allegre supported. 

Adm. Welcome my injur'd servant, what a misery 310 
Ha they made on thee? 

Al. Though some change appeare 
Vpon my body, whose severe affliction 
Hath brought it thus to be sustained by others. 
My hurt^ is still the same in faith to you, 
Not broken with their rage. 

Adm. Alas poore man! 
Were all my joyes essentiall, and so mighty 
As the affected world beleeves I taste. 
This object were enough to unsweeten all. 



^ Dyce reads I'll. 

-Heart in Dyce and Shepherd. 



Tragedie of Chahot m 

Though in thy absence I had suffering, 

And felt within me a strong sympathy, 320 

While for my sake their cruelty did vexe. 

And fright thy nerves with hon'our of thy sence, 

Yet in this spectacle I apprehend 

More griefe than all my imagination 

Could let before into me; didst not curse me 

Vpon the torture? 

Al. Good my Lord, let not 
The thought of what I suffer 'd dwell upon 
Your memory, they could not punish more 
Then what my duty did oblige to beare 
For you and lustice, but theres some thing in 330 

Your lookes, presents more feare than all the mallice 
Of my tormentors could affect my soule with, 
That palenesse, and the other formes you weare, 
Would well become a guilty Admirall, and one 
Lost to his hopes and honour, not the man 
Vpon whose life the fury of unjustice 
Arm'd with fierce lightning, and the power of thunder, 
Can make no breach, I was not rack'd till now, 
Theres more death in that falling eye, than all 
Rage ever yet brought forth, what accident sir can 
blast, 340 

Can be so blacke and fatall to distract 
The calme ? the triumph that should sit upon 
Your noble brow, misfortune could have no 
Time to conspire with fate, since you were rescued 
By the great arme of Providence, nor can 
Those garlands that now grow about your forehead 
With all the poyson of the world be blasted. 

Adm. Allegre, thou dost beare thy wounds upon thee, 
In wide and spacious characters, but in 
The volumne of my sadnesse thou dost want 350 

An eye to reade an open force, hath tome 
Thy manly sinewes which sometime may cure 
The engine is not scene that wounds thy Master, 
Past all the remedy of art or time, 



112 Tragedies of Chapman 

The flatteries of Court, of fame or honours; 

Thus in the Sommer a tall flourishing tree, ^4 

Transplanted by strong hand, with all her leaves 

And blooming pride upon her makes a shew 

Of Spring, tempting the eye with wanton blossome, 

But not the Sunne with all her amorous smiles, 360 

The dewes of mornings, or the teares of night, 

Can roote her fibers in the earth agen, 

Or make her bosome kinde, to growth and bearing, 

But the tree withers, and those very beames 

That once were naturall warmth to her soft verdure 

Dry up her sap and shoote a feaver through 

The barke and rinde, till she becomes a burthen 

To that which gave her life; so Chahot, Chahot. 

Al. Wonder in apprehension, I must 
Suspect your health indeede. 

Adm. No no thou shanot 370 

Be troubled, I but stirr'd thee with a morrall, 
Thats empty containes nothing, I am well. 
See I can walke, poore man, thou hast not strength yet. 

Al. What accident is ground of this distraction? 

Enter Admirall. 

Adm. Thou hast not heard yet whats become oth' 
Chancellor? 

Al. Not yet my Lord. 

Adm, Poore gentleman, when I thinke 
Vpon the King, I've balme enough to cure 
A thousand wounds, have I not Allegref 
Was ever bountious mercy read in story, 
Like his upon my life, condemn 'd for sacrifice 380 

By Law, and snatch 'd out of the flame unlooked for, 
And unpetitioned ? but his justice then 
That wod not spare whom his owne love made great. 
But give me up to the most cruell test 
Of Judges, for some boldnesse in defence 
Of my owne merits, and my honest faith to him 
Was rare, past example. 



Tragedie of Chabot 113 

Enter Father. 
Fa. Sir, the King 
Is comming hither. 

Al. It will 
Become my duty sir to leave you now. 

Adm. Stay by all meanes Allegre, 't shall conceme 
you, 390 

I'me infinitely honor 'd in his presence. 

Enter King, Queene, Constable, and Wife. 

King. Madam be comforted, He be his Phisitian. 

Wif. Pray heaven you may. 

King. No ceremoniall knees. 
Give me thy heart, my deare, my honest Chabot, 
And yet in vaine I chalenge that tis here 
Already in my owne, and shall be cherish 'd 
With care of my best life, violence^ 
Shall ravish it from my possession. 
Not those distempers that infirme my blood 
And spirits shall betray it to a feare, 400 

When time and nature joyne to dispossesse 
My body of a cold and languishing breath, 
No stroake in all my arteries, but silence 
In every faculty, yet dissect me then. 
And in my heart, the world shall read thee living. 
And by the vertue of thy name write there, 
That part of me shall never putrifie. 
When I am lost in all my other dust. 

Adm. You too much honour your poore servant sir, 
My heart dispares so rich a monument; 410 

But when it dies— 

King. I wonot heare a sound 
Of any thing that trenched^ upon death. 
He speakes the funerall of my crowne that prophesies 
So unkinde a fate, weele live and die together. 



'Dyce inserts "no" before "violence." 
^Dyce changes to trencheth. 



114 Tragedies of Chapman 

And by that duty which hath taught you hitherto, 
All loyall and just services I charge thee, 
Preserve thy heart for me and thy reward, 
Which now shall crowne thy merits. 

Adm. I have found 
A glorious harvest in your favour sir, 
And by this overflow of royall grace, 420 

All my deserts are shadowes and flie from mee, 
I have not in the wealth of my desires, 
Enough to pay you now, yet you encourage me 
To make one suite. 

King. So soone as nam'd possesse it. 

Adm. You would be pleas'd take notice of this Gentle 
man, 

A Secretary of mine. 

Con. Mounsieur Allegre, 
He that was rack'd sir for your Admirall. 

Adm. His limbs want strength to tender their full duty, 
An honest man that suffers for my sake. 

King. He shall be deare to us, for what has past sir 430 
By the unjustice of our Chancellors power, 
Weele study to recompence, ith' meane time that office 
You exercis'd for Chabot we translate 
To our selfe, you shall be our Secretary. 

Al. This is 
An honour above my weake desert, and shall 
Oblige the service of my life to satisfie it. 

Adm. You are gracious, and in this act have put 
All our complaints to silence, you Allegre, 

Enter Tresuror, Secretary. 

Cherish your health, and feeble limbs which cannot 
Without much prejudice be thus employ'd; 440 

All my best wish's with thee. 

Al. All my prayers 
Are duties to your Lordship — Exit. 

King. Tis too little, 
Can forfeit of his place, wealth, and a lasting 



Tragedie of Chabot n^ 

Imprisonment purge his offences to 

Our honest Admirall, had our person beene 

Exempted from his maUice, he did persecute 

The life of Chabot with an equall wTath, 

You should have powr'd death on his treacherous head, 

I revoke all your sentences, and make 

Him that was wrong'd full Master of his destiny, 450 

Be thou his judge. 

Adni. O farre be such injustice, 
I know his doome is heavie, and I begge 
Where mercy may be let into his sentence 
For my sake you would soften it, I have 
Glory enough to be set right in yours, 
And my deare countries thought, and by an act 
With such apparent notice to the world. 

King. Expresse it in some joy then. 

Adni. I will strive 
To shew that pious gratitude to you but — 

Kng. But w^hat 460 

Adm. My frame hath lately sir beene tane a peeces, 
And but now put together, the least force 
Of mirth will shake and unjoynt all my reason. 
Your patience royall sir. 

King. He have no patience. 
If thou forget the courage of a man. 

Adm. My strength would flatter me. 

King. Phisitians, 
Now I begin to feare his apprehension. 
Why how is Chabots spirit falne? 

Qu. Twere best 
He were convei'd to his bed. 

Wif. How soone tum'd widdow. 

Adm. Who would not wish to live to serve your good- 
nes, 470 

Stand from me, you betray me with your feares, 
The plummets may fall off that hang upon 
My heart, they were but thoughts at first, or if 
They weigh me downe to death let not my eyes 



ii6 Tragedies of Chapman 

Close with another object then the King, 
Let him be last I looke on. 

King. I would not have him lost for my whole King- 
dome. 

Con. He may recover sir. 

King. I see it fall, 
For Justice being the proppe of every Kingdome 
And mine broke, violating him that was 480 

The knot and contract of it all in him, 
It already falling in my eare; 
Pompey could heare it thunder, when the Senate 
And Capitoll were deafe, so heavens loud chiding, 
He have another sentence for my Chancellor, 
Vnlesse my Chabot live. 
In a Prince 

What a swift executioner is a frowne. 
Especially of great and noble soules; 
How is it with my Philip? 

Adm. I must begge 
One other boone. 

King. Vpon condition 490 

My Chabot will collect his scatter 'd spirits. 
And be himselfe agen, he shall divide 
My Kingdome with me. 
i Fa. Sweete King. 

Adm. I observe 
A fierce and killing wrath engendred in you ; 
For my sake, as you wish me strength to serve you, 
Forgive your Chancellor, let not the story 
Of Philip Chabot read hereafter draw 
A teare from any family, I beseech 
Your royall mercy on his life, and free 
Remission of all seasure upon his state, 500 

I have no comfort else. 

King. Endeavour 
But thy owne health, and pronounce generall pardon 
To all through France. 

Adm. Sir I must kneele to thanke you, 



Tragedie of Chabot jjy 

It is not seal'd else, your blest hand live happy, 
May all you trust have no lesse faith then Chabot. 
Oh. 

W-if. His heart is broken. 

Fa. And kneeling sir, 
As his ambition were in death to shew 
The truth of his obedience. 

Con. I feard this issue. 

Tre. Hees past hope. 

King. He has a victory ins death, this world 510 

Deserv'd him not, how soone he was translated 
To glorious etemitie, tis too late 
To fright the ayre with words, my teares embalme him. 

Wif. What can become of me? 

Qu. He be your husband Madam, and with care 
Supply your childrens father, to your father 
He be a sonne, in what our love or power 
Can serve his friends, Chabot shall nere be wanting, 
The greatest losse is mine, past scale or recompence, 
We will proceede no further gainst the Chancellor, 520 
To the charitie of our Admirall he owes 
His life which ever banish 'd to a prison. 
Shall not beget in us, or in the subject 
New feares of his injustice, for his fortimes 
Great and acquir'd corruptly, tis our will 
They make just restitution for all wTongs 
That shall within a yeare be prov'd against him; 
O Chabot that shall boast as many monuments 
As there be hearts in France, which as they grow, 
Shall with more love enshrine thee. Kings they say, 530 
Die not, or starve succession, oh why 
Should that stand firme, and Kings themselves despaire, 
To finde their subject still in the next heire. 

Exeunt. 

FINIS. 



ii8 Tragedies of Chapman 



NOTES. 
Act I. 

51. Timely. Indicating time. The word is seldom found in this 
sense in Elizabethan English. Cf. Spenser, Faerie Queen. I, 
5. 3. "timely voices." 
73. Vulgar passes. Common or ordinary situations. 
88. Tract. Course, movement, line of action. 

XI 8-1 1 9 all combining 

A gardian beyond the Phrigian knott, etc. 
i. e. tying a Gordian knot that shall be so far superior to the 
celebrated Phrygian knot, that the ingenuity of man shall 
not be able to loose nor the sword to cut it. 

136. Closely. Privately. 

Hamlet, III, 1. 29. We have closely sent for Hamlet hither. 

151. Apts. Makes fit, adjusts. Poetaster!, 1. If he be mine, he 
shall follow and observe what I will apt him to. 

x86. Informes. Gives form to, shape. 

X90. Ambitious. A Latinism; circular, or moving in a circle, — an 
exceedingly rare use of the word. 

193. Cheverill. (M E. cheverelle <C O F. chevrele, -elle, kid, diminu- 
tive of chevre.) Of the nature of cheverel leather: stretching, 
flexible, pliable, elastic, yielding. Stubbes, Anatomy of 
Abuses, II, 12. The lawiers have such chauerell consciences. 

3 20. Shudder. Shudder, {i.e.) cause to shudder or be afraid. See 
English Dialect Dictionary, s.v. shadder. Possibly the 
word is a misprint for 'shatter ' or ' shadow.' 

321. Statists. Statesmen, politicians. 

Cymbeline, II, 4. 16: I do believe, statist though I am none, 
that this will prove a war. 

232. Precisian. One who gives vmdue attention to trifles. 

as3 Service when they exact. One instance among many of 

the familiar Elizabethan use of a pronoun differing in number 
from its antecedent. 

271. Your eithers rape. In M E. there are numerous examples of 
the use of either with a pronoun in the same case. (See 
New English Dictionary). After 1600 this use is rare. 

316. Criance. A term used in falconry to denote the long fine line 
or cord attached to a hawk's leash by which she is restrained 
from flying away when being trained. 

340. Censure. Judge, as always in Elizabethan English. 

348, 349. The rather. Probably a play on two senses of the expres- 
sion: in line 348, more ^Mxcfe/j'; in line 349, more w/^im^/^; 



Tragedie of Chahot 119 

Act II. 
21. Reward. Recompense or requite. Used 'by Shakespeare in 

both a good and a bad sense. 
46. But. Only. 
173. Kinde. Birth, station. 

Hamlet, 1,2 65. A little more than kin and less than kind. 
275. Swinge. Sway, control. lyiduction, Mirror for Magistrates, 
Stanza, 26. 

That whilome here bare swinge among the best 

284. Use. Practice or employ. 

285. Informe. Mend, make better. 
287. Reall. Faithful, loyal. 

299. Fame. Report. 

336. P avian thraldome. 

Francis I was defeated and captured in the battle of Pavia 
1525. He was liberated after ceding a large part of his domin- 
ions to Charles V, not by paying a ransom. This is the only 
speech that differentiates the king from any other sovereign of 
France. If it were not for this personal reference the mon- 
arch portrayed here by Chapman might be Henry III, or 
Henry IV, as naturally as Francis I. 

Act III. 
36. Planet strooke. Affected by supposed influence"'' of planets. 

182. Will make. Omission of the relative pronoun. 

182. Tract. Course of life. 

192. Square. Adjective used for noun. 

220. Pioners. A sapper or miner; hence, figuratively, one who seeks 
to accomplish an object by underhand means: here, intriguing 
politicians. 

307. Vantcurriers (Ft., properly avant-courriers). Fore-runners. 

328. Gyantism against heaven. An allusion to the strife of the Giants 
or Titans against Jupiter and his throne. 

332. Infround or respected. A misprint for "informed or suspected." 
Dyce and Shepherd retain "respected," but insert a semi- 
colon. There is no warrant for this insertion which makes an 
unnecessary change in the meaning of the passage. 

354. Conscience. A synonym in Elizabethan times for consciousness, 
but probably here a misprint for conscious. The passage, 11. 
352-355, is a fair example of Chapman's involved, often 
ungrammatical, style. The meaning evidently is: "Conscious 
of that truth that gave my actions life when they were ques- 
tioned, I have justified my merits and services to the king." 

370. Hath brought forth nought but some ridiculous vermine. An 
evident reminiscence of the familiar line of Horace; Par- 
turiunt mantes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Ars Poetica, 1 139- 



120 Tragedies of Chapman 

393. Chines. Backs. 

449. Pitifull. Used in a contemptuous sense, or perhaps, ironically. 

450. On this side, and on this side, this capitall I. After the first word 

"side" V should be inserted. The line is meaningless as 
printed in all editions. 

Act IV. 

73. House-genious. Household genius or god, lares penates, 
130. Curious. Exact, fastidious. 
148-149. Who still are busie taking off their snuff es, 
But for their profit sake will adde no oyle. 
That is, the care-takers of the lamps are busy taking off the 
charred portions of the wicks, because they keep the money 
intended for the purchase of oil. 
159. Quit. Requite, repay. 
260. Equall. A Latinism (aequus) ; fair, just, impartial. So also in 

1. 388. 
316. Touch. Defect, fault. 

Troilus and Cressida, III, 3. 175. 

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. 
323. Souse. The familiar French sous. 
371. Contemperature. Harmonious mixture. 

439. Compurgators. Witnesses: used in the Mediaeval sense of one 
who bore testimony to the innocence or truth of the person 
accused. 

Act V. 
ao. Her. Their. 

33. Nice. Delicate: in a bad sense. 
75. Inpostume. A purient swelling; an abscess. 

90. Centaures blood. An allusion to the blood of Nessus which 
Deianira used to poison the shirt of Hercules. 

96. Descant. An extemporaneous part or accompaniment played to a 

given melody. 

97. Numerous. Consisting of numbers; hence melodious, harmoni- 

ous. 
231. Austria. A misprint for Astrsea, the goddess of innocence and 

daughter of Themis, Justice. 
286. Parmisan. Parmesan: a cheese made in Parma. 
363. Kinde. Natural. 
399. Infirme. The transitive use of this verb was common in the 

sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. 
515-533. The quarto gives this speech to the Queen, but the 

context shows that it belongs to the King. 



Tragedie of Chabot 121 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

I. TEXTS. 

1639, 4°. — The Tragedie of Chabot, Admirall of France . . . , 
written by George Chapman and James Shirly. London. 

1833, 8°. — The Works of James Shirley, edited by Alexander Dyce, 
6 vols., Vol. VI. 

1874, 8°. — The Works of George Chapman, edited by R. H. Shep- 
herd, 3 vols., Plays, Vol. I. 

II. WORKS BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL. 

1691. — An Account of the English Dramatic Poets, by G. Lang- 
baine, p. 477. 

1833. — The Works of James Shirley, edited by Alexander Dyce, I, xix. 

1833. — Life and Writings of James Shirley, Quarterly Review, XLIX, 
p. 29, note. 

1873. — Chapman's Dramatic Works, edited by John Pearson, I, xxviii- 
xxix. 

1874. — Essay on the Poetical and Dramatic Works of George Chap- 
man, A. C. Swinburne, prefixed to the Works of George Chapman, 
Translations and Minor Poems, pp. xliv-xlv. 

1875. — A History of English Dramatic Literature, A. W. Ward, 2 
vols., Vol. II, p. 32. 

1887. — George Chapman, A. H. Bullen, Dictionary of National Biog- 
raphy, X, 51. 

1891. — A Biographical Chronicle of the English Drama, F. G. 
Fleay, II, 241. 

1895. — The Best Plays of George Chapman, edited by W. L. Phelps, 
P- 23. 

1897. — James Shirley, A. W. Ward, Dictionary of National Biography, 
LII. 133- 

1897. — QuELLEN — Studien zu Den Dramen George Chapman's, Philip 
Massinger's und John Ford's, E. Koeppel, pp. 52-61. Strassburg. 

1899. — A History of English Dramatic Literature, A. W. Ward, 
3 vols., Vol. II, 444. 



Tragedie of Chabot 



123 



INDEX. 



Achilles, 7. 
Advocate, 24. 
Apsley, William, 9 
Arnoldus^ Paulus JoviuSj 29. 

Bacon, Francis, 35, 36, 37. 
Baker, D. E., 26. 
Baligny, 17, 18. 
Ball, The, 26. 

Beaumont, Count, 12, 14, 
Beeston, Christopher, 27. 
Biron, Duke of, 7, ix, 12, 13, 14. 
Blind Beggar of Alexander, The, 6 
Boas, Frederick, 22, 23. 
Brantone, Pierre de Bourdeille, 

10. 
Bussy D'Ambois, 7, 9, 10, li, 25, 26. 
Byron's Conspiracy, 11, 12, 13. 
Byron's Tragedy, 7, 12, 13, 22. 

CcEsar and Pompey, 24. 
Cayet, Pierre Victor, 12, 23. 
Chabot, Admiral of France, 28, 29, 

30, 31, 32, 2,Z, 34, 35, 36. 
Charlotte, 17, 18. 
Chester, Robert, 8. 
Civil Wars in France, The, 9. 
Conspiracie and Tragedie of 

Charles, Duke of Byron, The, 

II, 34 
CooKE, William, 24, 26. 
Cotes, Thomas, 24, 26. 
Crane, Mr., 14, 15. 
Crequie, 13. 

Crooke, Andrew, 24, 26. 
Cupid, 13. 

D'Ambois, Bussy, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19. 
D'Ambois, Clermont, 7, 17, 18, 19. 



D'Auvergne, Comte, 7, 18. 
Dekker, Thomas, 9. 
De Saulx, Gaspard, 32, 34. 
De Serres, Jean, 12, 18, 23, 29. 
De Thou, August, 10. 
Dobell, Bertram, 14, 25. 
Drayton, Michael, 9. 
Drummond, William, 8. 
Dyce, Alexander, 24, 27. 

Eastzuard Hoe, 8. 
Eld, George, ii, 23. 
Elizabeth, Queen, 5, 12, 13, 14. 
Essex, Earl of, 35, 36. 
Example, The, 26. 

Fleay, F. G., 12, 24, 27, 35. 

France, Queen of (wife of Fran- 
cis I), 28, 30, 31. 

France, Queen of (wife of Henry 
IV), 13, 16, 17. 

Francis I, 28, 30, 32, 23. 

Gamester, The, 26. 
Gentleman Usher, The, 22. 
Gifford, William, 27. 
Greene, Robert, 6. 
Grimeston, Edward, 23, 34. 
Guise, Duchess of, 19. 
Guise, Duke of, 7, 9, 10, 17, 18, IQ. 
21, 22. 

Hamlet, 7. 
Helme, John, 17. 
Henry HI, 10, 24. 
Henry IV, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13. 
Henslowe, Philip, 9, 11, 18. 
Herbert, Sir Henry, 16, 24, 26, 27. 
Hero and Leander, 6. 



124 



Tragedies of Chapman 



Historic Sui Temporis Pars 

Quarta, lo. 
Histoire de France, etc., i8. 
Horatio, 7. 
Howard, Sir Thomas, 23. 

In Sejanum Ben. Jonsoni et Musis 
et Sibi in Deliciis, 8. 

Invective written by Mr. George 
Chapman against Mr. Ben Jon- 
son, 8. 

Inventaire General de I'Histoire de 
France, 18. 

Inventorie, A General, of the His- 
toric of France, etc., 23. 

James I, 37. 
JoNSON, Ben, 8. 

KoEPPEL, Emil, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, 
29. 

Lady of Pleasure, The, 26. 
La Fin, 11. 

Langbaine, Gerard, 29. 
Lennox, Duke of, 14, 15, 16. 
Longeus, Mart., 29. 
Love's Martyr, 8. 
Lyly, John, 6. 

Maillard, 17. 

Marlowe, Christopher, 6, 9, 10. 

Marston, John, 8. 

Massacre at Paris, The, 6, 9, 11. 

Matthieu, Pierre, 12, 14, 18, 23. 

Mezeray, Francois Eudes de, 29, 

Monsieur (brother to Henry HI), 

9, 10, 19. 
Montmorencie, Constable of 

France, 28, 30, 34. 
Montsurry, Coun,., 10. 
Montsurry, Countess, 10. 



Northward Ho, 35. 

Pasquier, Etienne, 29, 30, 31, 32, 

33, 34, 35. 
Peele, George, 6. 
Pero, II. 
Philip H, 22. 
Poeyet, Chancellor, 28, 30, 33, 34, 

35, 36, 37- 
Proctor General, 24, 32, 35, 36. 

Queen's Men, 26. 

Recherches de la France, Les, 29. 
Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois, The, 
7, 17, 23, 34- 

Satiro — Mastix, 11. 
Savoy, Duke of, 11. 
Secretary, 30. 
Shadow of Night, 6. 
Shakespeare, William, 6, 7, 8, 35. 
Shirley, James, 8, 24, 25, 26, 27, 

28, 35- 
Strozza, 22. 
Swinburne, A. C, 24, 27. 

Tamburlaine, 7. 

Tavannes, Seigneur de, 32, 34. 

Thorppe, Thomas, ii. 

Tragedie of Chabot, Admiral of 

France, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30. 
Treasurer, 30. 
Troilus and Cressida, 7. 

Ulysses, 7. 

Verneuil, Mademoiselle,- 13. 

Von Raumer, F. L. G., 13. 

Ward, A. W., 24, 27. 



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